Today marks National Indigenous Peoples Day and Cold Lake First Nations is excited to share and enjoy the day.
Cold Lake First Nations have gotten together with the Cold Lake native friendship center among others to put on a huge celebration at the casino parking lot. Daniel Mclaughlin an organizer for the event says he is excited to bring awareness to the Indigenous community.
“We are bringing together all corners of our local community to have a huge celebration.”
The celebrations will start at 11 AM today and go until 2:30 PM at the Casino Dene Parking lot. Multiple BBQ stands, pig roast, performers, dancers, static Tipi display, the red dress series on display, and door prizes can all be enjoyed at the celebration.
“To bring everyone in and celebrate with us and showcase a big part of our Indigenous culture, Métis culture, first nation culture, and allowing everyone to come in and experience that with us.”
Mclaughlin noted everyone will be wearing orange shirts in honor of the missing and murdered children and missing and murdered Indigenous women. He says it’s an opportunity to bring attention to both movements.
He says the celebration started as a small BBQ and has blossomed into a massive event.
“This year’s weather pending of course with the inclusion of the city and the native friendship center there should be quite an increase in attendance.”
Is optimistic saying every event has had a forecast of bad weather but the sun has always shined on through. Mclaughlin wants people’s takeaway for the event to have awareness of the Indigenous culture
“It is all around you in every facet of everyday life but it gets overlooked. This is a really good way to bring everyone together and experience the highlights of Indigenous culture.”
Most of the events and celebrations will happen around noon.
