Local events to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a Canada-wide celebration of the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Locally, numerous events are planned to mark the occasion.

Batchewana First Nation is hosting a pow wow this afternoon on St. Mary’s Island. Grand entry begins at noon. All are welcome.

Later today, Garden River First Nation invites everyone to its Ojibway Park Pavilion for a free evening of dinner, dancing, drumming and horseback riding. The event will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Both the public library and Algoma University have been marking the occasion throughout the month of June.

In a social media post this morning, Sault Ste. Marie mayor Matthew Shoemaker called today "an important opportunity to celebrate and commemorate the heritage, diverse cultures and achievements of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples," and said he and the city "are committed to furthering these relationships moving forward."

National Indigenous Peoples Day is an important opportunity to celebrate and commemorate the heritage, diverse cultures and achievements of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Myself and @CitySSM are committed to furthering these relationships moving forward. #NIPD2024 pic.twitter.com/Ali2siKuLD

— Matthew Shoemaker (@SooShoe) June 21, 2024