Timmins’ First Nation community gathered on the banks of the Mattagami River, in the traditional territory of the Mattagami First Nation, to celebrate Aboriginal Day along with supporters from all walks of life and most corners of the world.
The day's activities began in darkness as people gathered to participate in a Sunrise Ceremony that welcomed the sun on this, the longest day of the year.
Themes for celebration of the summer solstice were set by elder David Faries at the opening ceremony at noon.
“This morning I took part in our Sunrise Ceremony,” Faries added. “At the ceremony, you give thanks to the sun, and water, and remember that the center of the Earth is molten rock, and it also plays its role.”
“We also recognized fire, and all humans have the fire burning in them,” Faries stated.
“When your fire burns well, people tend to hang around with you,” Faries explained. “If your fire is low - I don't want to stand around you – so, anybody that is standing alone find a friend.”
“We are all part of the Creator,” Faries said. “We are all part of the universe – we don't hold the Earth, the Earth holds us. It is our responsibility to look after the Earth.”
Chief Walter Naveau of Mattagami First Nation said on his territorial lands the celebrations took place spoke about the need for bring the nation together and healing.
“I want to thank all our visitors, the delegates and organizers who are helping to bring our nation together to day on Aboriginal Day - Indigenous Day,” said Chief Naveau.
“Today we are Anishinaabe. It is a great day to celebrate our independence as Anishinaabe people,” he said.
“Canada is celebrating 150 years and I would like to say that Anishinaabe people of Turtle Island are on a path of healing, reconciliation, and finding out who we are in terms of learning the culture and traditional values of our people,” Chief Naveau added.
“It is good to see so many people today gathered on this day as we celebrate nationhood, for to heal, first we must know who we are,” said Chief Naveau.
“I would like to welcome Inuit, Metis, First Nations. We are one nation and one spirit today. I would also like to recognize the youth who will be the leaders of tomorrow,” he said. “We have a vision. Let us walk together with that one vision.
Timmins Mayor Steve Black welcomed everyone to the banks of the Mattagami River at Participark.
“I welcome everyone to the celebration of Aboriginal Day in Timmins, and recognize the important contribution First Nations have made to Timmins and area,” Mayor Black said.
“For us who are not Aboriginal, it’s a great opportunity to learn about First Nation culture and traditions,” said Mayor Black.
Also on hand to extend his best wishes was Gilles Bisson, MPP for Timmins-James Bay, who also brought greetings from Charlie Angus, MP for Timmins-James Bay.
“I want to bring greetings on behalf of all the members of the Ontario legislature and Charlie Angus who is here in spirit. As you know Charlie’s worked long and hard to advance issues of importance to the Aboriginal community,” Bisson said.
“Aboriginal Day is important for a couple of reasons – it allows us to celebrate who we are,” Bison said. “And today, because of all the hard work, I sense real hope, a sense of moving forward, and yes, we must remember our past, and we need to fix the problems of the past so we don't repeat the mistakes, but learn from them and make things better.”
The all-day event included traditional drumming, full regalia dancing with men and women dressed in traditional clothing.
For the first time at a Timmins Aboriginal Day ceremony, the organizers invited two Inuit throat singers who enthralled the crowd with their unique music.
There were traditional foods such as bannock, plenty of games and attractions for the children including a miniature pony and a humour hour billed as the Cree-zy Humour hour.
