Community comes together for Indigenous Peoples Day

By Lethbridge Herald on June 21, 2023.

Jingle dancer Marylin Contois helps lead participants in a traditional round dance on Wednesday during National Indigenous Peoples Day festivities at Galt Gardens. Herald photo by Justin Sibbet

Justin Sibbet – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

From the raising of a teepee to traditional dances and even a bit of wisdom yoga, Galt Gardens was filled with celebration to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day in Lethbridge.

While there were events held across the city, Galt Gardens was by far the busiest with people coming out to visit the various booths, horses, teepee and to watch some traditional entertainment.

One man who set up a booth was Metis elder, Roderick McLeod, who displayed an assortment of traditional Metis items and clothing. 

He said Metis still face an uphill battle because so many people are still unfamiliar with his culture.

“I think because the Metis are, of all the three different Indigenous groups in Canada…we’re the least understood, although we’re one third of all the Indigenous people in Canada,” said McLeod.

He said, however, even though the goals of reconciliation are far from complete, there are still positive signs and progress made every day.

McLeod said a large-scale event like the one at Galt Gardens is supremely beneficial for his cause.

“It means a lot to be able to get out; people come by and say, ‘we didn’t know who you were.’”

He said a great way to bring awareness is to showcase the personal connection between the Metis and well-known individuals in Canadian history.

“We have to bring out some of our heroes that people don’t realize were Metis. A lot of people don’t realize the capital of Alaska was named after a Metis man.”

Another member of the community who took part in the events at Galt Gardens was Lowell Yellowhorn, the manager of Indigenous services at Lethbridge College.

He said National Indigenous Peoples Day brings with it an opportunity for sharing and providing education.

“Not everybody has the awareness of Indigenous challenges,” said Yellowhorn. “For myself, personally, I like to provide that.”

He, like McLeod, said there is still a lot of work to do, though the trend is moving in the right direction.

“We’re overcoming a lot of challenges nationally, but it’s not to say that work isn’t being done.”  

Yellowhorn said a big part of the process is continuous education for those who are just now calling Canada their home.

“We have a lot of newcomers to Canada, and we need to build those awareness mechanisms for them to be educated about the traditional territory that they’re entering.” 

This ties into the idea that everyone comes from another country, so he asks why it is different for Indigenous people.

“Why can’t Indigenous people come from a country and represent their cultures, their languages?”

He said this is why it is so important for Indigenous people to share their stories and perspectives, and the best way for a person to learn about the Indigenous culture is to make a friend and explore the community.

“Ask questions, come to an event like this to get education. This is a city-wide event so it’s a safe place.”