Winnipeg, MB – Today, City of Winnipeg employees will celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at the City Hall courtyard, located at 510 Main St. National Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes and honours the cultures of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples.
“National Indigenous Day is about celebrating the contributions Indigenous people have made to Canada, Manitoba, and Winnipeg in every field and every endeavor,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “It’s also about celebrating traditions – in teachings, music, dance, and art – that have enriched and continue to enrich our country and city’s culture and heritage, and on behalf of my Council colleagues I want to offer our best wishes to each and every member of Winnipeg’s First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.”
The City’s National Indigenous Peoples Day event starts at 11:30 a.m., with a welcoming prayer and smudge teaching by Elder Carol Moar, followed by statements from dignitaries. There will be a variety of Indigenous dance, music, and visual art performers.
In addition to an ongoing commitment to the Journey to Reconciliation, the City has carried out the following initiatives:
- Annual signing of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord on June 20, 2018.
- Indigenous Cultural Week lunch hour workshops held the week of June 18-22, 2018.
- Ongoing support for Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak, the City’s Indigenous Youth Strategy.
- The continued implementation of the five Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action related to municipalities.
For more information the City’s Indigenous initiatives, please visit City of Winnipeg - Indigenous Relations Division.