Today, we celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day with the Tsawwassen First Nation community! When we first arrived, we were struck with how friendly and intimate the gathering was. Unlike the Trout Lake celebration, which included a variety of First Nations communities from all over B.C. and Canada, this event was hosted by Tsawwassen First Nation directly on their own traditional lands. It was so wonderful to see members of Tsawwassen First Nation and members of the greater community come together in order to celebrate this important day together! We were simply blown away by the warm welcome we received, and all of the kind people who were happy to share their traditions and their culture with us.
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| Welcome by Tsawwassen First Nation members |
Upon our arrival, a small number Tsawwassen First Nation members welcomed us on to their land with drumming and singing. Chief Ken Baird formally welcomed us on to their land and Elder Ruth Adams, gave thanks to all of the people who came out to celebrate with them.
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| Chief Ken Baird (in cedar hat) and Elder Ruth Adams (in blue top) welcome the community |
After our warm welcome guests were asked to join Tsawwassen First Nation members in a scrumptious BBQ that was hosted by the Delta Police Department. The menu consisted of fresh crab, salmon, hamburgers, hot dogs and of course bannock along with other delectable treats. This was truly a community gathering where people enjoyed each other’s company on such a beautiful day.
At the celebration we were drawn to the beautiful traditional and contemporary hand-crafted regalia. We were in awe of the workmanship and skill that is involved in these living pieces of artwork by Indigenous artists. Caitlyn and I were also curious to learn more about the significance of Tsawwassen First Nation regalia that was on display and Jesseca Adams, Language and Culture Coordinator with Tsawwassen First Nation was happy to share her knowledge with us.
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| Jesseca Adams, Language and Culture Coordinator with TFN |
At the cultural booth we were also able to read a wonderful article put together by Tsawwassen First Nation about the importance of honouring their ancestors through regalia. Regalia in Indigenous culture is an important part of personal and cultural identity that tells a story of one’s heritage and serves as a badge of honour for the individual. It can be worn as clothing, an accessory or used as an artifact in various ceremonies or traditional gatherings.
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| Traditional TFN cedar cape |
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| Woolen sash and cedar headband worn by "Feather Runners" |
It was also interesting to find out that the Tsawwassen First Nation have incorporated traditional regalia such as the “talking feather” into their government practices. The talking feather is used to keep the peace during executive council and legislative assemblies. If a member wishes to speak during a legislative session they must wait until the talking feather is handed to them by the feather runner. The role of the feather runner is taken on by Tsawwassen First Nation youth who wear a traditional wool sash and cedar headband as part of their ceremonial regalia during legislative sessions.
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| TFN "Talking Feather" |
It was also wonderful to watch artist, Victoria "Skosswunson" Williams work on a contemporary cedar top during the celebration.
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| Artist Victoria "Skosswunson" Williams |
It was a wonderful day and Caitlyn and I are very grateful to have spent it with the Tsawwassen First Nation Community. Thank you for this beautiful day!
By Caitlyn and Stacey
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