The community is invited to celebrate National Aboriginal Day at Transfer Beach Wednesday with members of Stz’uminus First Nation.
This year’s theme is Pre 150 - Sharing the Knowledge of Traditional Welcome.
Canada 150 committee co-chair and Stz’uminus councillor Roxanne Harris said the family event is a big part of
reconciliation and marrying the two communities.
“We have it at Transfer Beach because we want to have community members from Ladysmith come down and enjoy and be part of it,” she said.
Archaeological digs have found the Stz’uminus community dates back at least 5,000 years.
The day starts with the opening and welcome at 10 a.m. by Chief John Elliott, Harris and Mayor Aaron Stone followed by a Hul’q’umi’num greeting by Stz’uminus First Nation students at 10:20 a.m.
Students will then sing the K’naan’s Wavin’ Flag song at 10:30 a.m, followed by a Mini Bone Game performance and another song performance.
“We want to share our culture with everyone,” Harris said.
A traditional play performance by Ladysmith Secondary School students is scheduled for 11 a.m.
The day of games and traditions will also include a lunch from 12-1p.m. including free hot dogs, hamburgers and a seafood platter which is by donation.Buffi David will also be there to bless the food.
A traditional game presentation will be held from 1-2 p.m. and War Canoe Races between 2-3pm.
War canoe demonstrations will show the traditional method for how disputes were settled.
The day will conclude with a closing prayer at 3 p.m.
National Aboriginal Day has been held across Canada since 1996 to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and
outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.
The public is encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blankets, sunscreen and water to make the day more enjoyable.