It must have been the drums. From the moment the beat began, the level of joy rose, and kept rising.
Hundreds crowded into Market Square early Tuesday evening for Guelph’s National Aboriginal Day celebration. Representatives from a number of aboriginal groups, including those from the top of world, lead the two-hour gathering of song, dance, drumming and blessings.
“We are all one race – the human race,” said drummer and story-teller Jan Sherman, as the scent of sweetgrass and cedar wafted through the crowd. “When we open ourselves to each other we become expansive.”
The event began with a blessing – a megwich (thank you) to the earth, all of its elements, and all of its living things. Child, parents, grandparents were thanked, as were the many ancestors that brought us to this place and time.
In his remarks, Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie said he was happy to see the event grow each year. He encouraged everyone to make the effort to invite others to next year’s event so that it continues to swell, and so that more in the community embrace the Aboriginal culture that is an integral part of our community and country.
Guthrie called the stories of “abuse and neglect” collected by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission a reflection of “one of the saddest moments in our history.” He urged all to study those stories.
At the same time, he called the Supreme Court decision that the federal government has constitutional responsibility for Metis and non-status Indians a turning point event.
Ame Papatsie was among three Inuit from Baffin Island to attend the celebration. He played a large hand drum in a broad circle, stopping to share the heartbeat of the instrument with everyone in attendance. He smiled and everyone smiled back at him.
“There is a nice beat,” he said, referring to the pulse of the gathering. “I am honoured to be here, to be a part of Aboriginal Day here in Guelph.”
Papatsie said it is clear that non-aboriginal Canadians are opening up to aboriginal culture, learning more about the history of the First People, and are appreciating this important aspect of Canadian culture more than ever.
Autumn Fisher danced in the traditional way with her mother, Marguerite, and sister, Raven, each performing a different style of dance as the crowd circled around.
“This event is getting bigger and that is good to see,” said Autumn, 19. “We are definitely seeing more people become aware of aboriginal culture and issues.”
She said native culture has been repressed in so many way for such a long time.
“Now, all the youth want to get involved and bring it forward,” she said. “Its an exciting time.”
The event featured a number of vendors, some selling beads and moccasins, others offering white sage, sweetgrass and smudge bowls, and another making and selling bannock.