Reposted from the Comox Valley Regional District - Community Encouraged to Attend Local Celebration Event For National Indigenous Peoples Day
The Chief Councillor of K’ómoks First Nation, the Chair of the Comox Valley Regional District and the Mayors of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland, have jointly issued the following statement in support of National Indigenous Peoples Day:
The local National Indigenous Peoples Day event, hosted by the K’ómoks First Nation in collaboration with local governments, cultural and community partners, will be celebrated on Saturday June 20 from 2 pm to 9 pm at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds.
In the Comox Valley, we are grateful for the privilege to live, work, and play on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation and we acknowledge the rich culture of the people of the Sathloot, Sasitla, leeksen, Xa’xe and Pentlatch tribes. We look forward to gathering to learn, share and strengthen our relationships as we celebrate and honour the strength, resilience, and diversity of Indigenous Peoples. In doing so, we respect and remember that these lands have supported Indigenous communities for thousands of years before the arrival of settlers to their territories.
Local governments in the Comox Valley have embraced the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and have formally committed to reconciliation. With the support and guidance of K’ómoks First Nation, we are on a journey together to build a culture of meaningful engagement between our organizations.
This year’s celebration includes interactive Youth and Elder Zones, K’ómoks cultural resource and archeology displays, guided walks to the Tsolum River, live screen printing, storytelling and knowledge sharing, delicious food vendors, Indigenous craft vendors, cultural and community tents, and live music from world-class Indigenous artists.
The local governments are pleased to join the following community partners in supporting this celebration: Kumugwe Cultural Society, Queneesh Indigenous Community Society, Wachiay Friendship Society, MIKI’SIW Métis Association, Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society, Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry.
One of the best ways to move forward together is to work together and learn from one another. We encourage residents of the Comox Valley to take part in this free family event for the entire community. Community members are also invited to participate as volunteers in a variety of capacities and volunteer applications are available now on the event website.
On behalf of the K’ómoks First Nation, Comox Valley Regional District, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland, please join us in celebrating together the contributions and unique cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities in the Comox Valley and across Canada.
Sincerely,
Chief Councillor Nicole Rempel, K’ómoks First Nation
Chair Will Cole-Hamilton, Comox Valley Regional District
Mayor Bob Wells, City of Courtenay
Mayor Nicole Minions, Town of Comox
Mayor Vickey Brown, Village of Cumberland