Saint John will be one of many communities marking National Indigenous Peoples Day on Friday.
Coinciding with the summer solstice, June 21 has traditionally been a day that many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their rich culture and heritage.
The city has partnered with Double Curve Media, an Indigenous media company, to hold a series of free events throughout the day.
A sunrise ceremony and sacred fire will take place at Fort Latour beginning at 5:37 a.m. It will be led by Elder Lapskahasit Cihkonaqc (Chris Brooks) of Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation).
The Wolastoqey and Mi’kmaq Grand Council flags will be raised at City Hall at 11:30 a.m. followed by a drumming procession to Fort Latour.
From noon until 1 p.m., Uhkmi Singers from Sitansisk and dancers will perform traditional Indigenous song and dance at Fort Latour.
“We ask that participants remain attentive to the MC instructions regarding when to sit, when to stand, and when to join in the dance,” the city said in a news release.
“Participants are encouraged to bring a hand drum if you have one for the drumming procession and are asked not to drum during the performance.”
