Community members gather outside the BAFN Community Centre for a free BBQ as part of National Indigenous Peoples Day (MBC NEWS FILE PHOTO)
National Indigenous Peoples Day marked an important moment for members of the Bonnechere Algonquin First Nation.
BAFN welcomed the public to their community centre inside Ma-te-Way Park to share in the rich history, traditions, and culture of local Indigenous Peoples on Sunday, June 21, something Chief Richard Zohr says is key as the group continues to bridge the gap with non-Indigenous residents.
Attendees experienced performances from the Wisakedjak Men’s and Kitchissipi Women’s Drummers and Dancers, who taught the crowd about the significance of pow-wows and the regalia performers wear.
The first nation also presented drummers Judith St. Pierre Krieger and William Wagner with breastplates featuring local community colours, especially hand-crafted to recognize their contributions within the community.
The weekend also saw Zohr re-elected for another four-year term as BAFN’s chief over challenger Ralph Lance, an honour he says comes with a daunting amount of work still to do.
Among the partners BAFN will continue to strengthen bonds with is the Town of Renfrew, who Zohr says has been incredibly supportive as they share more of their culture with the rest of the Ottawa Valley.
(written by Kasey Egan)
