Everyone is invited to the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Saturday.

鈥淥ur National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration is open to the public. We invite the community to learn and celebrate all things Indigenous from across Turtle Island. There will be free hot dogs and snacks for everyone (including vegetarian options and gluten free buns),鈥� said Katie Pearson, CEO of the Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 17, the Phillip Jackman Park in Aldergrove, 27130 32nd Ave., will be filled with a variety of activities, vendors, food, and more, including a friendship dance at 2:30 p.m. where everyone is invited to join in.

鈥淲e will have live traditional and contemporary Indigenous and Metis entertainment throughout the day,鈥� she added. 鈥淥ur Kids Zone features Build a Friend for the first 150 children, the Fun Bus and special guest the Toys r Us Giraffe! Lots of kids crafts, activities and fun.鈥�

SCHEDULE

鈥� Ernie Cardinal opens the event at 11 a.m.

鈥� John Johnstone and Katie Pearson, LFVAS acknowledgements

鈥� Elder Janet Crockford, traditional welcoming

鈥� Red Hawk Drummers, blessing songs 11:15 a.m.

鈥� Keith Hill, Amy Fateaux and Fagan, Metis musicians 12:30 p.m.

鈥� Waceya Metis Jiggers Metis Jigging Troupe and Up and Comers 12:45 p.m.

鈥� Stars of the North West Coast, drumming and dance 1 p.m.

鈥� Door prizes and raffle draw 1 p.m.

鈥� Raven Wylie, hoop dancing 1:15 p.m.

鈥� Dianna Day Indigenous Women Rise, drum group 1:30 p.m.

鈥� Higher Knowledge, rapper 2 p.m.

鈥� Friendship dance with audience participation 2:30 p.m.

鈥� Potato Dance with audience participation 2:45 p.m.

鈥� Door prizes and raffle draw 3 p.m.

There will also be Indigenous vendors on site who have contributed items for draws. The society has organized door prizes, and a raffle of donated items.

Admission is free, and there鈥檚 ample parking around the park.

鈥淲e hope everyone leaves the event with a better understanding of Indigenous culture and the importance of celebrating the First People of our Nation,鈥� Pearson said.

The society organizes the event with help from various groups, including Save On Foods, Costco, Safeway, Real Canadian Superstore and Freshco, which donated the food. Other sponsors include Encompass Support Services, Travelodge 91原创, the School District of 91原创, the Province of British Columbia, Canada Heritage, the Township of 91原创, and Indigenous Innovations.

Also providing support were Dan Snyder with 91原创 CAT, Encompass Support Services, Inclusion 91原创, 91原创 Community Services Society and the CCRR team, BC Responsible Gaming, the Fraser Valley Regional Library, the RCMP, Metis Nation BC, and Work BC.

History lives on

This National Indigenous Peoples Day people can head to the Fort 91原创 National Historic Site to help celebrate the nations that call this territory their home.

Visitors can meet costumed interpreters and learn directly from Indigenous presenters and artisans as well as discover skills and knowledge that First Nations Peoples used and continue to use through demonstrations, storytelling, and hands-on activities.

In addition to the usual fun of exploring the fort, special guests from local Nations will be presenting throughout the day. Learn to turn an obsidian rock into a functional and useful tool through the art of stone knapping. Elders will share their knowledge and experience with those visitors.

The historic site is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and the special activities for June 17 are free with paid admission.

NOTE

National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21 but the two community events are scheduled for June 17, to take advantage of the weekend.

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鈥� READ MORE: Township and Kwantlen First Nation unveil plaza project

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