Communities across the country are marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this Friday, including many communities across the Northwest Territories. Here’s just some of what’s happening across the NWT this Friday:
In Aklavik, activities will start at 1:00 p.m. with a walk from Mission grounds to the arena. This will be followed by guest speakers, prizes for the window decorating contest, a sing-a-long and drum dance, and other activities.
In Colville Lake, the festivities start Thursday evening with a feeding the fire ceremony at 5:30 at the arbour. This is followed by a community walk, then a community dinner and a movie in the gym.
The Fort Resolution Metis Government is organizing a walk starting at the community hall at 11 a.m. This will be followed by a barbecue with door prizes and activities. All ages are welcome.
The Inuvik Mental Health Awareness Working Group will be hosting an Every Child Matters Carnival on Friday from noon to 4 p.m. Starting from Ingamo, participants will walk to Chief Jim Koe Park, where there will be a carnival for children. Food and refreshments will be served.
Jean Marie River hosted a community barbecue on Thursday, with door prizes included.
The K’atl’odeeche First Nation is hosting a suite of events on Friday, starting with a Fire Ceremony at 1 p.m. at the Commemorative Monument Site. This is followed by a walk to the church, speakers, drum dancing, and other activities leading up to a traditional feast at 5 p.m.
The Yellowknives Dene First Nation will be hosting a suite of events on Friday, starting at 2 p.m. at the Ndilo Gym. Events include a feeding the fire ceremony, feast, and drum dance.
The commemorations in Tuktoyaktuk start with opening speeches at the baseball field at 3 p.m. This is followed by a walk to Kitti Hall, a community feast, a drum dance, and a square dance featuring fiddler Nolan Kasook. There will also be a jigging contest with cash prizes for various age groups.
The Hamlet of Tulita will be hosting a commemorative cake decorating contest, complete with cash prizes. The deadline to submit is Friday, Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. Once judging is over, the cakes will all be shared among the community.
Events in Ulukhaktok start at 2 p.m. with the lighting of the Kullik, speeches, and a community walk starting at the community hall. Then at 4 p.m., there will be a community feast, followed by an evening of entertainment that includes a gospel sing-a-long and drumming and dancing.
The Pehdzeh Ki First Nation will be hosting events all afternoon, starting with a feeding the fire ceremony at noon, followed by a lunch, poster-making contest, a march beginning at the band office, and outdoor games with prizes for residents of all ages.
