Folks in Quesnel looking to participate in events for Indigenous Peoples Day can head to Lhtako Dene Park where dancing, Indigenous vendors, cultural displays and more will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 21.
Among the cultural celebrations and historical information, recent Indigenous graduates from the College of New Caledonia will be recognized and celebrated for their achievement.
The goal of Indigenous Peoples Day is for Indigenous history, culture and knowledge to be shared and celebrated across Canada. Quesnel and the surrounding area has several First Nations with traditional, unceded lands. They include Lhtako Dene Nation, Nazko First Nation, Lhoosk'uz First Nation, ?Esdilagh First Nation and Ulkatcho First Nation.
Last year's event saw representation from First Nations and Metis, with many elementary students attending the event to learn more about Indigenous peoples.
"We never had a day to celebrate," Archie Chantyman said at last year's event. He said Indigenous peoples have celebrated their culture and history in spite attempts to quash it. "To acknowledge ourselves and to celebrate what we have and share with the people. That's why we have Indigenous Day," Chantyman said.
The 2024 event also had educational booths from the Quesnel Museum as well as the SD28 Southern Carrier language teacher.
