Many were gathered at the Wilfred Jacobs Building for the recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day on Friday, June 21.
The yaqan nukiy (Lower Kootenay Band) welcomed both those in their community and visitors to a celebration including dances, food, and culture.
Multiple styles of dances were put on by the LKB and visitors, including a Red River Métis jig accompanied by a fiddle.
Nasukin Jason Louie says National Indigenous Peoples Day helps show their culture and celebrate their history.
“I’ve heard from many in our community that National Indigenous Peoples Day should be every day, not just one day out of the year. And I definitely see the logic in that. So, I make an effort to get out there and educate our community, the Creston community, and the greater community,” said Louie.
“It’s always a good day when we can do things like this.”
There was an outpouring of support and attendance, with many coming to enjoy the event.
Louie says he was proud of what they accomplished together with the surrounding communities.
“I have to shout out to former Mayor Ron Toyota, that effort started with him during his time in office. And it carried on with Mayor DeBoon. Two totally different gentlemen with two different styles, but they both see the value of ongoing working relationships, that it can’t just be one and done. That it’s ongoing. I’m really grateful to have not just the Mayor, just about the whole council sees the value in reconciliation.”
The event follows a park naming ceremony earlier in the week that saw some online pushback from some in Creston.
Louie addressed the comments made on social media, saying it was surprising, but not uncommon.
“It’s going to be there. It’s been there. And the horrible thing about racism is that it lurks its ugly head when you’d least expect it,” explained Louie.
“You never see it coming. But, I also want to underscore that those comments are not representative of the entire Creston Valley.”
He adds that he saw support for the LKB community online as well, pushing back against the hate.
“Some people just need an opportunity, they don’t need a reason. It is hard to drown that out, but I always counter those things with action. Action like carrying on with the (naming ceremony), Indigenous Peoples Day, our annual powwow, it goes on and on, that sometimes you just have to let the dogs bark.”
Louie finished off by thanking all those who made the event possible.
“A lot of our staff welcome this opportunity. And I have to mention the community partners that give contributions to today’s events. Everybody from Columbia Basin Trust to Tech, Fortis, there’s just so many good corporations and organizations that see the value in what we’re trying to accomplish here.”
Lastly, he gave a special shout-out to ELLA’S, who catered the event with delicious Jamaican food.
“ELLA’S came forward and was inquiring about events. And so we got to talking and so extended an invite. And this is the ripple effect that these events have. People hear about it and they want to come and be involved. Yes, it’s Indigenous People’s Day, but, really, it’s a day of humanity.”
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