On Saturday, June 21 the community was invited to participate in the City of Port Moody’s Celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day at the PCT Performance Stage in Rocky Point Park. Story by LJI reporter Geoff Scott

Those who came out to the event enjoyed cultural performances including dancing, singing, and drumming as the city honored and celebrate the rich history, resilience, diversity, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. The event was put on by the city in partnership with the Port Moody Ecological Society.

From the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nation, Children of Takaya shared a number of cultural performances Robert George & Les George of the səlilwətaɬ First Nation spoke about the history of their people who have inhabited the region we know as Burrard Inlet since time immemorial.

Further presentations were made including performances by Janelle Alladina and Ronnie Dean Harris AKA Ostwelve, that equally entertained and informed the audience.

“We acknowledge with gratitude that we live and work on the ancestral and unceded homelands of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), qʼʷa:n̓ ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), and Stó:lō (Sto:lo) Peoples,” said Mayor Meghan Lahti.

“On National Indigenous Peoples Day, and every day, we recognize the enduring presence and contributions of these Nations, and we remain committed to fostering respectful relationships grounded in truth and reconciliation."

The Celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day also included a learn-to-dance session and an activity inspired by the Japanese art of rock wrapping. Led by PoMoArts. Participants wrapped heart strings of intention, remembrance, healing, and hope around a rock as a symbol of the journey of reconciliation. Of course Bannock bites were made available at the conclusion of the event.