Jasper is set to host its annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration with a full schedule of events in Commemoration Park on June 20.
The Jasper Indigenous Forum comprises more than 20 nations with traditional ties to the area, and spans six different language groups. This year, Jasper National Park is honoured to partner with Simpcw, People of the River, as hosts of the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration.
The Símpcwemc (Simpcw people) are part of the Secwépemc, or Shuswap Nation and have deep ancestral and contemporary connections to the land now known as Jasper National Park.
All are welcome to come out; don't miss this chance to celebrate the storytelling, songs and dances and learn from the Indigenous Peoples of this region.
Check the day's event schedule here, as new workshops and highlights are added.
Photo: Simpcw Nation
"I love going to Jasper," says Rae Bowser, a cultural education worker for the Simpcw First Nation and one of the organizers for the National Indigenous Peoples Day events in Jasper. "Returning to where my ancestors fished and gathered, and where a lot of our people are from, is really special. This day is such a positive way to share our heritage, generational knowledge, and personal stories."
Bowser will be doing two presentations: one on traditional fishing methods, and another on the Secwépemc traditional languages.
"Visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere. We've always been very friendly to people on our land. We just love to laugh and have fun," she says. "Don't be afraid to visit with the elders that you see."
She mentions that certain events (such as the morning's pipe ceremony) are more sacred and shouldn't be photographed, but that announcements will be made in advance to put the cameras away.
Photo: Simpcw Nation
June 20 Events
11am - Flag Raising Ceremony
12pm - Community Picnic Lunch
Bring your own blanket.
1pm - Community Presentations
4pm - Closing & Farewell song
Photo: Simpcw Nation
