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Bridging the gap between communities on Indigenous Peoples Day

Barrhead and District Indigenous Committee host National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations at Cecile Martin Park

BARRHEAD - It started from humble beginnings.

About five years ago, Robin Burrard and Scott Robins organized what would become Barrhead's first National Indigenous Peoples Day and Truth and Reconciliation Day events, honouring First Nations peoples and their history.

"We only started with about 50 people, and we would walk from the [Town of Barrhead municipal office] up Main Street," she told a group of upwards of 100 people, including Barrhead Elementary School Grade 4 to 6 students, at Cecile Martin Park on June 20, as a precursor to National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Berard, a Barrhead resident of about 10 years, is originally from the Bigstone Cree Nation near Wabasca, while Robins is a longtime Barrhead resident involved with the disabled community.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Canadian Governor General Roméo LeBlanc first proclaimed the day (first named National Aboriginal Day) in 1996 as the result of years of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups.

The day included a walk around the Cecile Martin Park walking track, a smudging ceremony, Indigenous singing and drumming, followed by a bannock lunch.

"By sharing more knowledge of our history and knowledge, getting elementary and junior high students involved, our initial goal is to build a bridge of understanding not only to our Indigenous culture but with every culture," Burrard said. "But most of all, to respect each other."

Robin also thanked Trisha Enman, one of the Barrhead and District Indigenous Committee members, for her continuous efforts.

"I want to acknowledge her strength and what she does for this community. Not only does she support Indigenous culture but also various organizations in the community, from the Street Festival to high school graduation. No matter what the cause, she steps up and does her best, and more importantly, she does it from her heart," Burrard said just before presenting her with a Pendleton blanket. "It is something we really honour in our culture, and I want to give this [Buffalo] blanket as a way to honour you," she said.

Inman said she was honoured by the gift, adding that before she met Burrard three years ago, she was like many people in Barrhead who knew little about Indigenous culture and teaching.

She also encouraged the audience to take the time to be silent and listen.

"Because learning all of these things just makes for a richer life in our community."

Berard also took time to thank the Barrhead RCMP, especially Const. Ashish Ralh.

"The RCMP [and Const. Rahl] are always there to support and march with us," she said.

Berrard said this year's National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration was somewhat subdued compared to the last two years due to the Barrhead and District Indigenous Committee's involvement in the community's annual Canada Day celebrations.

"I'm really excited about it," she said, inviting people to participate in the events at the Barrhead Sports Grounds. Although Barrhead's Canada Day celebrations will take place from 2 to 11 p.m., the Indigenous Committee's programming takes place from 2 to 5 p.m.

Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com




Barry Kerton

About the Author: Barry Kerton

Barry Kerton is the managing editor of the Barrhead Leader, joining the paper in 2014. He covers news, municipal politics and sports.
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