On June 21, Jasper National Park is celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Hosting the 2023 celebration is the Símpcwemc (Simpcw people), or People of the River. Simpcw are part of the Shuswap Nation and have deep ancestral and contemporary connections to the land now known as Jasper National Park.
Simpcw territory covers approximately 5 million hectares of land, which they have used since time immemorial. // simpcw.com
“Simpcw will be generously sharing their culture through community songs and dances, artisan vendors, as well as plant, language and traditional skills workshops,” according to Parks Canada.
Other Indigenous partners include the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation, the Bighorn Chiniki Stoney Nation, the Foothills Ojibway First Nation, the Kelly Lake Cree Nation and the Mountain Cree.
Cultural knowledge workshops include traditional fishing methods, flint arrowhead demonstrations and Ortho-Bionomy classes—Ortho-Bionomy is a unique approach to bodywork that elicits the body’s inherent capacity to self correct.
An Indigenous artisan market will take place at Robson Park, adjacent to the Jasper Municipal Library.
A travelling exhibit showcasing Métis culture through stories of their relationship with bison will be set up at Whistlers Campground, near the theatre.
The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a pipe ceremony and prayer, led by Simpcw and Bighorn Chiniki Stoney Nation. A flag raising ceremony at 10 a.m. will be followed by opening remarks by Kúkwpi7 (Chief) George Lampreau of Simpcw.
Wyanne Smallboy-Wesley of the Bighorn/Stoney First Nation helped raise the Every Child Matters flag at Jasper’s 2022 NIPD ceremony. // Matt Quiring
At noon, Secwépemc songs and dances will welcome guests. Bear Dancers and Cree hand drum songs will lead into closing remarks and a farewell song.
Jasper Community Habitat for the Arts will be hosting Aabiziingwashi, a selection of short films by Indigenous filmmakers, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All event for National Indigenous Peoples Day are free and everyone is welcome to attend. A full schedule of events is available through Parks Canada’s website.
Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com
