Words Ashley Morris
Photos NILTUO Child & Family Services Society
On June 20, NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services hosted our first annual Indigenous Peoples Day event at the Saanich Fair Grounds. Open to members of the seven communities we work with – from newborns to Elders – this was a day of connection, culture and celebration.
For generations, Coast Salish communities have gathered on or around the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, to visit with community and family members over a meal and celebrate culture, language and traditions. It was an honour for us to host our first of many events like this to come.
Outside, families enjoyed time in the beautiful weather. At the food table, guests were served barbecued burgers and hot dogs. Children played games and chased bubbles with friends. Face cutouts and a 360 photo booth with music were available for guests to capture fun memories together.
Inside the hall, the atmosphere was just as lively. Guests gathered around tables to share a buffet of fresh salads, locally-made goodies, and more delicious barbecue. Local vendors from the community set up tables at the event offering handmade goods such as beaded jewelry, knitting and crafts, along with services like glitter tattoos and making balloon animals.
A DIY craft table was set up for families and youth to gather to make rattles and necklaces. Drumming performances filled the room with energy, including the exciting debut of our very own NIȽ TU,O paddle song.
This very special paddle song was prepared in advance of the upcoming Tribal Journeys cultural event. NIȽ TU,O staff, youth and family members will make up the paddle crew and land crew as NIȽ TU,O participates for the first time, paddling our hand-carved canoes alongside over 20 other paddle families to visit other Coast Salish communities, as part of an important reclamation of Coast Salish culture.
NIȽ TU,O’s first annual Indigenous Peoples Day event was a happy celebration of our guiding values, including NUTSUMAT SHQWALUWUN – working together with one mind, as we continue to build a strong support system for Coast Salish children and families.
Families left with smiles, ice cream from the ice cream truck, and handmade items from the craft market.
NIȽ TU,O would like to thank everyone who attended, as well as the vendors, volunteers, and staff who made this day so special.
This is just one of many events NIȽ TU,O is hosting this summer. To learn more, visit our website or join us on social media.
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