Kingston celebrates National Indigenous People’s Day

June 21, 2019June 21, 2019 Michelle Allan

Kingston gathers in Confederation Park to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on Friday, Jun. 21, 2019. Photo by Michelle Allan.

The Kingston National Indigenous Peoples Day annual celebration took place Friday, June 21, 2019 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Community booths, vendors, and local drummers, singers, and dancers gathered in Confederation park for a day of free activities celebrating the culture of Canadian Indigneous peoples.

The event began with an opening proclamation and addresses from Mayor Bryan Paterson, MP Mark Gerretsen, and MPP Ian Arthur.

There were speeches recognizing Cooking in the Nest, a partnership between Loving Spoonful and Kingston Indigneous Languages Nest that brings together all-ages Indigenous language learning around food.

Community members enjoyed song and drum performances by Shimmering Waters and Two Feathers, as well as Indigenous electro-pop artist WOLF SAGA.

During Isokode Collaboration with Ollin’s Drum Circle, community members were invited to join the circle and pick up a drum.

Turtle Island Indigenous Catering provided food for event goers, offering free wild three sister’s medley bean and rice salad and strawberry drink.

For information on National Indigenous Peoples Day, visit the Government of Canada website.