Indigenous Peoples Day celebration brings hundreds to Riverside Park

GUELPH – A crowd gathered at Riverside Park here on June 21 to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people showcased parts of their culture and invited attendees to join songs and dances.

There was First Nations jingle dancing, fancy dancing and grass dancing, with performances from champion dancers wearing colourful regalia as well as an intertribal dance, which drew dozens of people together to hold hands and dance to the beat of the drum.

Ame Papatsie shared traditional Inuit songs and led the crowd in a sing-along while Aalbi danced and played a drum.

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Despite the heat, many people gave it their all in learning how to dance a Métis jig to the tune of the popular Métis song the Red River Jig.

In addition to the entertainment, there were vendors selling homemade crafts like beaded earrings and dream catchers, and Papatsie's original paintings.

Papatsie also shared his talent by offering to sketch portraits of many of the children attending the event.

Using two pencils simultaneously, one in his left hand and one in his right, he drew pictures that caused kids’ eyes to light up with delight. Included in each drawing is the child’s name, written in the Inuit language Inuktitut.

People also enjoyed food and drinks like “Indian Tacos,” Métis stew, and a sweet and refreshing strawberry drink.