National IndigenousPeoples Day celebrations on P.E.I. battle weather

Heavy rain may haveputa bit of a damper on National IndigenousPeoples Day on P.E.I. celebrated Friday on Lennox Island but there werestill eventsto be part of.

One event hasbeen postponed.

The International Yearof the Salmon event was supposed to take place by the water, but because of the rain that won't happen until next week, saidJulie Pellissier-Lush, community consultation co-ordinator with the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of P.E.I.

The rest of the celebration was moved inside John J. Sark Memorial School and had drummers, dancers, children's activities, giveaways and a barbecue, Pellissier-Lush said.

Six-year-old Xavier Thomas was at the event, hewore a mix of traditional and modern clothing and performed a traditional dance with Mi'kmaq drummers.

Xavier's mother, Jamie Thomas, said she is proud of her son.

"He's been doing it since he was like three."

She said the family plans to hit thepowwowcircuit this summer throughoutthe Maritimes.

Crafts on display

Local oysters prepared by anIndigenous chef were on the menu and there were also crafts on display.

We can say it is just words, but to me I think that action the actions that come from it will speak louder. Lennox Island Chief Darlene Bernard

Val Jadiswas displaying beadwork she created, red dressesto represent missing and murdered Indigenous womanand orange shirts, to representsresidential school survivors, she said.

"I can go missing, it can happen to me and I just want to spread more awareness"

Celebrations help foster relationships

Chief Darlene Bernard, who recentlywon another opportunity to serveas chief of Lennox Island, said the day is part of Canada's effort toward reconciliation.

"I believe this is a good beginning. You know, we can say it is just words, but to me I think that action the actions that come from it will speak louder."

All of the events wereopen to the public, Pellissier-Lush said.

The new name, National Indigenous Peoples Day, was declared two years ago.

Pellissier-Lush said the celebrations help foster relationships.

"We really, in the last little while, we have been going one on one. We have been going person to person, organization to organization, community to community, nation to nation."

Pellissier-Lush said she expects the day of celebration to continue growing.

"We really have been developing so many amazing relationships and partnerships."

Flag raising

There was also a Mi'kmaq National Flag Raising Ceremony at the Confederation Centre of the Arts that tookplace at 3 p.m.

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