Public invited to Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations

Press Release

Jun 13, 2024

The City of Saint John is joining all Canadians in recognizing June 21, 2024, as National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day provides an opportunity for Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples to our community.

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.

In partnership with Double Curve Media, the City of Saint John is hosting various events to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.

The day will begin with Elder Lapskahasit Cihkonaqc (Chris Brooks) of Sitansisk (St. Mary’s) First Nation leading a sunrise ceremony and sacred fire at Fort Latour at 5:37 a.m. The Wolastoqey and Mi’kmaq Grand Council flags will be raised at the City Hall Plaza at 11:30 a.m. followed by a drumming procession to Fort Latour. At noon, Uhkmi Singers from Sitansisk First Nation and dancers performing traditional Indigenous song and dance. The master of ceremonies for the event will be Oscar Baker III from Elsipogtog First Nation.

All events are free of charge and inclusive, and all are encouraged to attend. We ask that participants remain attentive to the MC instructions regarding when to sit, when to stand, and when to join in the dance.

Participants are encouraged to bring a hand drum, if you have one, for the drumming procession and ask you not to drum during the performance.

*Rain location will be Marco Polo Cruise Terminal.

Friday, June 21 Indigenous Peoples Day

Activity	Location	Time
Sunrise Ceremony / Sacred Fire	Fort Latour	5:37 a.m.
Flag Raising	City Hall Plaza	11:30 a.m.
Drumming Procession	From City Hall Plaza to Fort Latour	11:45 a.m.
Uhkmi Singers and Dancers	Fort Latour	12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For more information, visit About National Indigenous Peoples Day (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca).

Here to help – For inquiries related to municipal services, contact the City of Saint John Customer Service Centre at (506) 658-4455, email service@saintjohn.ca or visit us in person on the Ground Floor of City Hall, 15 Market Square, Monday to Thursday (excluding holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

ILR4