First Nations people and members of the community gathered Thursday at Fort George Park to celebrate National Aboriginal Day.
During the opening ceremonies at 11 a.m., the opening prayer by given by Frank Frederick Sr., and official welcome was offered by Chief Dominic Frederick. Several representatives from the Aboriginal community spoke as well as Mayor Sherri Green.
Green took the opportunity to announce the unveiling of a public art project representing the Lheidli T'enneh culture and heritage at City Hall. The project incorporates a traditional dugout canoe with outer shell carved in images portraying a Lheidli T'enneh legend, passed down through generations of oral traditions. Surrounding the canoe is a flower bed with a glass tile mosaic depicting eleven life-size fish species native to the Nechako and Fraser Rivers .
Green also promised to strengthen the relationship between the City of Prince George and the people of the Lheidli T'enneh territory.
The national anthem was sung by a choir of Aboriginal youth followed by the drum song performed by the Walking Tall Warriors.
About 30 community groups participated by hosting information booths, including BC Hydro, the Fire Pit, the Prince George Metis Housing Society and the College of New Caledonia.
The most popular booth was hosted by staff and volunteers from the School District 57 Aboriginal education program where children could get free balloons, get their faces painted and make art projects for free.
"It's so important to celebrate our culture and self identity and who we are," said Angela Carter, aboriginal education officer. "We bused in all the kids from the schools all over the city. Anyone could come and participate to promote inclusivity and to provide education into our culture. It's wonderful to have a day we can celebrate all that."
Other activities included singing, dancing, games, inflatable toys, best bannock contest and the Aboriginal Idol contest.
"It's a great day to get information about groups in Prince George," said June McMullen, aboriginal patient liaison worker at the University Hospital of Northern B.C., who took her lunch hour to attend. "It's exciting to have our own special day to celebrate."
