The Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden committee held a Sunrise Ceremony at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park in Owen Sound this morning.
United Way of Bruce Grey Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn and member of the committee says the event on June 21 from 5:30 a.m. to about 8 a.m., was in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day as well as the summer solstice.
“We had Elder Shirley John from from Saugeen First Nation for a water ceremony, we had drummers from Neyaashiinigmiing there, we had the big drum as well as hand drummers, as well as teachings around taking care of the planet, taking care of each other,” says Dobbyn. “That was very poignant for everybody in attendance to see all of nature in its beautiful glory, and we just had the most spectacular sunrise, it was a wonderful start to a day.”
She says about 150 people attended the event from various walks of life.
Dobbyn adds having these ceremonies are very important in recognizing the solstice as well as Indigenous people and their history.
“Starting the day with a ceremony, recognizing our history as thousands of years that we have occupied this space as well as continuing that work on reconciliation with our flawed history around how we treated Indigenous people,” says Dobbyn.
Additionally, the M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre in Owen Sound is planning on holding its own Summer Solstice Celebration today at the centre located at 1045 3rd Ave West from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation is also holding a celebration today at Cape Croker Park with the lighting of a sacred fire at 2 p.m. and events being held until 7 p.m.