A celebration of Indigenous culture and friendship took over a portion of Victoria Park in London on Friday. Indigenous Solidarity Day has relocated to the downtown park to mark its 30th year. The day began with a sunrise ceremony, followed by a welcome gathering that featured community members, traditional dancers, veterans, politicians and emergency response leaders. “This is one of the most important days for our people, for Anishinabek and for Cree people, and for all Indigenous people all across Turtle Island,” said the opening speaker to hundreds of people gathered to watch. The move to Victoria Park comes as First Nations members hope to better connect with family and friends who live in the City of London. It also provides a central opportunity to greet all Londoners. “I think that anyone who pops in here will feel that energy and feel that respect, feel that understanding,” said Dennis Whiteeye, the event’s host. Students and seniors were among those taking the opportunity to experience Indigenous art and goods offered by local vendors. As they wandered and watched, there were signs of cultures coming together. But progress remains slow. “It’s taken us a long time to get the communities to understand that the courts, the hospitals, the jails, all need to take care of the First Nations peoples,” said Mike Hopkins, a keeper of the sacred fire, who added he was pleased all cultures were represented at the sunrise ceremony. Whiteeye expressed the same thoughts while celebrating the new location for the day. “A lot of things have been taken away, so the fact that we’re doing this right downtown, it’s an opportunity for everyone.” “When we come together and heal, you know, we do things in a good way, but we always need that dance,” concluded the opening speaker.
