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Amherst to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21

Mayor David Kogon has signed a proclamation declaring June 21 as Indigenous Peoples Day in the Town of Amherst.

In signing the proclamation, the town joins hundreds of communities across the country and the Government of Canada in celebrating Indigenous culture.

“The Inuit, First Nations and Metis people have contributed greatly to Canada’s development,” Kogon said as he signed the proclamation on June 19.

“National Indigenous Peoples Day gives the residents of Amherst and all Canadians the opportunity to acknowledge that contribution and to learn more about Indigenous culture and heritage. Doing so helps create harmony among all Canadians.”

The Town of Amherst and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada have teamed up to celebrate the day with many activities, including an opening ceremony at the Four Fathers Memorial Library at 11 a.m. There a Smudging ceremony will take place and several dignitaries, including Kogon, will address the gathering.

Following the opening ceremony, participants will parade from the library to Victoria Square for a powwow. There several activities, including traditional dancing and drumming, will take place. The activities will wrap up at 3 p.m.

In the event of inclement weather, the events will be held at the Amherst Curling Club, 67 Prince Arthur St.