Stories of reclaiming, owning and living Indigenous ways of being in Thunder Bay

National Indigenous People's Day is a time to celebrate Indigenous culture and identity.

For many Indigenous community members, June 21 is celebrated differently. Some take the day to reflect, celebrate, and reclaim their identity and culture. Others discuss the remaining work to be done to reach reconciliation.

CBC Thunder Bay spoke with some Indigenous people living in Thunder Bay, Ont., to hear what National Indigenous Peoples Day represents and signifies to them.

When Kathleen Sawdo was growing up, it was during a time when it wasn't OK for anyone to share their Indigenous culture. 

"It wasn't something that you were loud and proud about," said Sawdo. "In fact, you try to not be loud and proud about it, and white pass, if you could."

So when Sawdo started her business, Sister Bear Designs, with her two sisters, Sawdo said returning to beading turned into a healing journey.

Now, she wants others to know that Indigenous culture is not a commodity.

"It's our way of being and knowing that's been around forever," said Sawdo. "And what you see now is not just a resurgence. It's reclaiming. It's owning it and it's living it, and it will continue, right, so it's never gone.

Sawdo added that what makes her proud to be Indigenous is the special gift every single Indigenous person was given by the Creator.

"It's something we have, our DNA is in this land here. So we have a special relationship with the land, and the animals and the beings in this area. And that's what I'm most proud of. It's not something anyone can have. So I'm proud to be able to share it, and honour it and honour my relatives that way."

When Dani Thunder started working as a server at In Common in 2016, she was still a student at Lakehead University, majoring in sociology and Indigenous women's studies. When asked to take over the restaurant in 2019, Thunder said, she felt she was the last piece needed to make In Common a fully inclusive space.

Thunder is from Fort William First Nation and said providing a welcoming environment for all is embedded in her Indigenous values.

"A part of my culture is always having a warm, inviting place for family, friends, anyone in need," she said. "That's just how I was raised. My mom always had her doors open to her family and her friends. We helped out as much as we could … So I was very much raised in an environment that was advocating for our community and our people in positive ways."

Because National Indigenous Peoples Day is not a recognized federal holiday, Thunder will be working at In Common. While she said she has pondered closing the restaurant to give herself and staff a day off, staying open allows her to give back to the Indigenous community and have conversations about reconciliation.