Community members gathered at the Gimli Park Pavilion on Saturday, June 21 to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day with music, culture and reflection. Hosted by the RM of Gimli in partnership with the Riverton and District Friendship Centre and the Gimli Red River Métis Local, the event welcomed approximately 100 attendees. Mayor Kevin Chudd and Selkirk–Interlake–Eastman MP James Bezan offered opening remarks, acknowledging the importance of honouring Indigenous history and heritage. The celebration featured performances by Sagkeeng First Nation drummers, Métis country artist Jerry Sereda, and 10-year-old fiddle player Dean Riley of Matlock. Gloria Thomas, vice-chair of the Gimli Red River Métis Local, shared a teaching on the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and their lasting contributions. National Indigenous Peoples Day was proclaimed by Canada’s Governor General in 1996 to bring Canadians together to learn about, honour and celebrate the contributions of Indigenous communities. The day is typically celebrated on the summer solstice, June 21, which is the longest day of the year. The solstice is a symbol of renewal, and many First Nations, Metis and Inuit cultures celebrated their languages and traditions on solstice, according to the federal government’s website.
