CBC News | June 21
Celebrations happening amid pushback from First Nations communities over provincial legislation
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National
Indigenous Peoples Day was celebrated in Toronto Saturday with music,
dance and a sunrise ceremony outside city hall amid pushback from some
First Nations leaders over provincial laws that some say bypass
consultation with their communities.
The
holiday, first observed in 1996, is a day of recognition and
celebration of the cultures and contributions of the First Nations,
Inuit, and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada.
Hundreds
of events are taking place around the country Saturday, and in Toronto,
festivities began with a sunrise ceremony outside city hall, with Mayor
Olivia Chow in attendance.
Grandmother
Kim Wheatley of Curve Lake First Nation led the proceedings, which
included prayers, greetings to the sun and giving thanks to the Earth.
"As
we walk the road of reconciliation, Canadians need to know we're still
here and we have something beautiful to offer and beautiful to share,"
she said at the ceremony.
Celebrations are continuing all day at the Na-Me-Res Powwow celebration at Fort York, which is in part sponsored by CBC.
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The
event began on Friday and is hosted by Na-Me-Res, a residence for
homeless Indigenous men in Toronto. Hundreds were in attendance Saturday
to take in traditional music and dance on the grassy field.
One of the dancers, Jay Lomax, said the celebrations are in part a way of healing, and connecting.
"I'm
here because I'm one of the Sixties Scoop survivors and I was raised
out here in Toronto. And I've been dancing since I got reconnected with
the culture in my 20s, doing ceremonies, connecting through the land,
connecting with our people, and that's what today is really all about."
Along
with music and dance, the powwow includes the Indigenous Arts Festival,
where culture is celebrated through crafts and cuisine.
Celebrations are going all day, with the powwow at Fort York continuing well into the evening.
Strained relations between province, First Nations
The
celebrations come as First Nations communities push back against new
provincial mining legislation that many say goes against the
government's duty to consult Indigenous peoples.
This
week, Premier Doug Ford apologized for comments he made, saying he has
treated First Nations "like gold" but they "keep coming hat in hand."
WATCH |
Ford's apology to First Nations chiefs: Ontario Premier Doug Ford apologized to First Nations chiefs
representing Ontario on Thursday. As CBC’s Mike Crawley explains, this
comes after the provincial government sparked anger amongst Indigenous
communities over Bill 5.
Ontario
Regional Chief Abram Benedict of the Chiefs of Ontario, which advocates
for all 133 First Nations in the province, told CBC News Network
Saturday that the comments were hurtful.
"What
we've been very clear with is that the rights holders need to be at the
table talking with the government about these bills, about a pathway
forward," he said. "[Ford has] acknowledged that, and I'm hoping that
our leadership can accept that apology, and look to a pathway forward
with the premier."
Speaking
about National Indigenous Peoples Day on the 10th anniversary of the
publication of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report,
he said the holiday was in part a chance to reflect on what's been done
since the commission released its 94 calls to action.
"We've made tremendous strides, but there's a lot of work to do," he said.
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