Surrey Schools celebrates Coast Salish culture and history on National Indigenous Peoples Day
From left, Supt. Mark Pearmain, Assistant Supt. Perry Smith and Deputy Supt. Andrew Holland attended a National Indigenous Peoples Day event at W.F. Davidson. Smith is from the Bonaparte First Nation and participated in a cultural dance.
Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day, honouring the heritage, diversity, culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada.
In Surrey, the 28th annual event is being recognized at the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration and Wellness Event, making its return to the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale. The event is hosted by the Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo First Nations in partnership with the City of Surrey and numerous community organizations.
“It’s an event that is organized by the Indigenous people in Surrey – it’s all the First Nations making it how we want it to be,” said Lyn Daniels, Director of Instruction with the Indigenous Learning department. “It is very significant for Indigenous students and families. It’s a way to engage in truth and reconciliation, and to tell the other people in Surrey about who we are.”
The Surrey event will feature cultural sharing from the local First Nations with teachings and practice through art, music, storytelling and dance. The district will have a tent with activities for kids and adults to learn more about Indigenous People, culture and history.
Additionally, a number of local community kitchens are providing free food, including Bannock, soup, chili, hamburgers and hot dogs.
The event is free to attend and open to the public. The event runs from 3-8 p.m., with a welcome message at 4 p.m. The Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre is located at 11728 64 Ave.
For more information, visit surrey.ca/IndigenousPeoplesDay
