Maritimers celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day

Saint John Indigenous Day celebrations began with a sunrise ceremony and sacred fire at dawn before a flag raising, drumming procession, and traditional dance performance.

Celebrations are scheduled across the Maritimes Friday to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.

The day serves as a chance for Canadians to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people have made to their communities and surrounding areas. The day coincides with the summer solstice, as June 21 has traditionally been a day when many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their rich culture and history.

In Saint John, N.B., the day started with a sunrise ceremony and sacred fire at 5:37 a.m. at the Fort Latour led by Elder Lapskahasit Cihkonaqc (Chris Brooks) of Sitansisk (St. Mary’s) First Nation.

St. Mary's First Nation Elder, Christopher Brooks, says it's important for these events to be held in Saint John on traditional homeland, and says events like these can help to continue on a path of reconciliation. 

“They were all from different walks of life, different cultures, different ways of knowing and understanding but they all came together at that one time to participate in a very important ceremony this morning,” he said. 

“To me it means remembrance, it means celebration, it means working together and I think the combination of those three feelings of what it means to me has come full circle.”