National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to share stories, connect with community, says educator

Saturday marks National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day of recognition and celebration of the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada.

Ivan J. White, a Mi'kmaw man and Indigenous education specialist at Memorial University's Office of Indigenous Affairs, says it's an important platform to share stories.

"From my perspective, stories are continued existence. Stories are prosperity. It's how we exist as a people. And I think sharing those and having people listen to them is super important," White told CBC Radio's The St. John's Morning Show.

He said he plans to celebrate the day by taking in the sunrise and reconnecting with people he hasn't had time to speak with recently.

For him, the day is also about the pride he feels about his community that was instilled while growing up in Flat Bay, on Newfoundland's west coast.

White said his work with MUN is about connecting the university's three foundations of teaching, research and public engagement.

"I bring community perspectives and community involvement into the education system that exists inside that academy, inside Memorial University," he said.

Through White's time at MUN, he said, he's seen a change in a positive direction on how Indigenous communities are treated.

"A lot of universities are actually doing really good work in the same areas of Indigenization and decolonization," he said.

"[It's] sort of like being on the cusp of something that I think could be really huge and … life changing for my community and all First Nations, Inuit and Native people in this country, I hope."

Brings people together

The community of Natuashish, Labrador is celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day with several events of its own, some of which are happening before Saturday.

Community co-ordinator Desiree Andrew said the day helps bring people together.

"I look forward to people gathering again, people gathering in the same area where in town people hardly visit each other," she told CBC Radio's Labrador Morning.

Natuashish is also hosting a ribbon skirt and vest event, and Andrew said people are excited about it.

"I think they're really excited to show off their creations," she said. "I'm looking forward to seeing all those women making their ribbon dresses for their men, for their children."

There will also be bands coming in from outside of the community to perform throughout the weekend, and fireworks, games and prizes.

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