School District 43 along with several representatives from the Kwikwetlem and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations will gather at Rocky Point Park Friday, June 21, to host a gathering for National Indigenous People’s Day.
During the day, students from SD43’s Aboriginal Education department will host several special events, including activity tents where the public can try their hand at crafts, bracelets and bookmark making.
Heritage Woods secondary school’s environmental group will host a series of games. In addition to soccer and lacrosse games, a handful of performers will perform on stage, including Amy Eustergerling and Keith Hill, Nyla Carpentier, Ivy Peers, and Chelsea and Noah Gray.
The SD43 event will run during school hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
It is free and open to the public.
Water blessing
The second gathering at Rocky Point will begin at 6 p.m. when Tsleil-Waututh elders, Port Moody councillors and the public will welcome recently elected Kwikwetlem Chief Ed Hall.
Last year, organizers blessed a traditional Coast Salish house post in the presence of over 1,000 people, said organizer Tasha Faye-Evans. This year, the opening ceremony will include a procession down to the pier where those staying ashore will be able to witness a water blessing.
Takaya Tours will bring ocean-going canoes from the Tslei-Watuth Nation, and the public will be invited to climb aboard several voyager canoes.
At 6:30 p.m., the first group will launch into Burrard Inlet, and by 7 p.m. boats are expected to gather in a pre-determined location where Tslei-Watuth elders will perform a second water blessing.
“It’s an iconic place. It was a gathering place for all nations to use this waterway. It was the gateway to the Salish Sea for the Kwikwetlem, Kwantlen and Katzie people,” said Faye-Evans.
The boats are expected to be in the water for about 45 minutes, after which there will be a free meal and live music performed by M’girl starting at 8:15 p.m. and Curtis Clearsky and the Constellationz starting at 8:45 p.m.
There will be a children’s craft table for those with families, and everyone staying for dinner is encouraged to bring their own plates and cutlery.
