Renfrew residents experienced a flash of colourful regalia and dancing as National Indigenous People’s Day celebrations took over outside the myFM Centre.
Indigenous drummer and dancer Sonny Robbins led the way on Friday afternoon, taking an intimate crowd through various types of Indigenous dancing and the stories that it and the types of different outfits worn have helped share tales for generations, something he hopes left an impact on that weekend’s crowd.
Robbins and the Wisakedjak Drummers presented a number of different songs and dances with the local crowd, including men’s and women’s traditional, women’s fancy, and jingle dress, each with their own tale and historical importance.
By his admission, it was only a taste of what’s out there, as Saturday’s summer solstice meant many drummers and dancers that would normally be in attendance were already on their way to the Indigenous Festival in Ottawa.
Robbins is thankful to have the chance to share with residents who joined them under the shade just outside the arena, adding that the community is helping recognition for the day just by showing up and spreading the word.
The Kitchi Sibi Women’s Drummers took over on Saturday morning, leading the audience through an Indigenous crafts demonstration and a barbeque lunch as the Bonnechere Algonquin First Nation opened the doors to their Cultural Centre inside the arena to guests.
(written by Kasey Egan)