It's National Indigenous Peoples Day and the Qalipu First Nations has lots on the go in Corner Brook

    Wednesday, 21 June 2023 07:00

    By Tonya Organ

    Chief Mitchell says on June 21,1996 Canada celebrated its’ first National Aboriginal Day, which is now National Indigenous Peoples Day.

    Many Indigenous groups have celebrated on the summer solstice because it was a significant time being it is the longest day of the year. Each day after June 21st gradually becomes shorter with nightfall coming sooner. Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people are gathering across the country today to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Here in Corner Brook, the Qalipu First Nations are inviting people out to the Majestic Lawn this afternoon until 3pm. Chief Brendan Mitchell says there will be a BBQ, drumming, singing and a lot of fun for everyone. He says the day of celebration used to have a different name but changed on an international level from aboriginal to indigenous. Chief Mitchell says it  goes back even farther, to the National Indian Brotherhood, which is now the Assembly of First Nations. He says the Oka crisis and the Ipperwash crisis in the nineties lead to renewed calls for a national day of recognition. Chief Mitchell says on June 21,1996 Canada celebrated its’ first National Aboriginal Day, which is now National Indigenous Peoples Day.

     

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