WHITE BEAR FIRST NATIONS - National Indigenous People’s Day on June 21, was first recognized in 1990 and is a day of recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada.
Families and the community gathered to celebrate at White Bear First Nations, home of the Saulteaux, Cree, Dakota and Nakota, with a full day of fun.
The day started at Sam’s Grocery Store, with free Tim Hortons coffee and birthday cake supplied by Sheri McArthur (Cappo), who is lucky to have her birthday day fall on both Indigenous People’s Day and the summer solstice.
Powerhouse singer Teagan Littlechief and Cadillac Jack have been performing together for the past six months and their music kicked off the afternoon events at White Bear First Nations Beach. Cadillac Jack, consists of members from White Bear, Forget, Oxbow, Stockholm and Fillmore.
Two traditional dances followed with the first being a traditional men’s dance. Janelle Whitebear, mother of Raimie, Bayda and Jacey, shared that they are self-taught from each other and from their older brother Tony Bellegarde. The second dance was a traditional women’s dance performed beautifully by Shacal Taypotat.
A round dance followed the traditional dancers and everyone was invited to participate.
Musician Max Delorme from Kahkewistahaw First Nation travelled to the event to woo the crowd while the barbecue sizzles filled the air.
After the feast, 10 judges sampled six different portions of bannock, picking the top three choices. More than 50 people were served.
The event closed with children’s games.
