National Indigenous Peoples Day was the first full day of summer and the celebration was on at Island Park. With the sun shining for the event it was a great turnout with numerous activities on the schedule.
Many came down to support our community on this special day, and the sunshine matched the smiles at the event. Mayor Sharilyn Knox expresses her gratitude for being able to take part in the day.
“It means a lot to be here. In Portage la Prairie, we are blessed and rich with so many Indigenous cultures around us and within our city. We need to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day because we need to appreciate what that brings to our community.”
Knox adds that the support gathered in the community for the event was a pleasure to see.
Jeanna Emms was at the event with the Portage Friendship Centre (PFC), holding a silent auction on the day people could look forward to.
Emms describes the day as having a hometown feeling, and that it is great to hold this day for the people in the community. She notes that the PFC always looks forward to spending time with the children and elders at the event.
Jeannine Vouriot and Linda Thorne were at the celebration with Southern Health-Santé Sud. Thorne highlights how she was most delighted by the dancers on the day, and that the energy from the kids throughout the day was great to see. Vouriot comments it's nice to be part of such an important day in Portage, she looks forward to the tradition again in years to come.
Many groups and organizations came to the celebration to support, but also to set up traditional games for the students and other kids to experience. There were various activities to enjoy, as well as face painting, food, drinks, music, and much more.
Everyone who was at the park for the event mentioned how great they felt to be able to support such an important day, seeing the community rally together for this day is a highlight that all people will remember.
Project Patio was at the National Indigenous Peoples Day, check out some of the pictures from the event.