National Indigenous Peoples Day in Holland Park

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, in Surrey’s City Centre, Holland Park transformed into a celebration of the culture and traditions of the Indigenous People. When I arrived to the park, I was delighted to see the diversity of people in attendance. Mingling amongst the various vendors you would see individuals that were new to Canada, and those who were not, taking part in the celebration of Indigenous values and culture.

A quiet space in the middle of the action

            Off to one side of the main stage was a drum circle that welcomed everyone to the event. As they were drumming together they created connections and relationships with those in attendance. They would also be passing along traditional knowledge, through drum making and by the passing of teachings from knowledge keeper to learner.

Drum shells waiting to be transformed

            As I explored around to the various vendors, I was pleased to see that they weren’t so much as selling items—but they were passing along education to those who ventured close by. From connecting to nature through the parks to Indigenous history, the vendors were passing along knowledge to those in Holland Park. With activities for all ages, the community was out during the sunny evening.

We were encouraged to pick a stone, a Healing Rock, that was specifically chosen by an Elder. It will bring healing energy to the one who picked it, and will wash away the negativity that is bothering that person. 

A Healing Rock

            At the welcoming ceremony, we were treated to a warm welcome from an Elected Elder from one of the hosting communities (Semiahmoo, Katzie and Kwantlen). With the city having the highest Urban Indigenous population in BC, they welcomed us to the unceded traditional territory of their three lands.

   

         In the center of Surrey, we celebrated the traditions and culture of Indigenous people. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this celebration and to have gained knowledge from this event. Bringing traditional Indigenous knowledge, culture and traditions is a wonderful experience for students in a classroom. Gaining the knowledge of the resources that could provide these experiences for students was an added benefit of attending this event.