Skip to content

Aboriginal Day Celebrations in Fort St. James: connecting the community

Every year on June 21, Canadians across the county celebrate National Aboriginal Day.
22371fort028
Jacob Burgart

Barbara Latkowski

Caledonia Courier

Every year on June 21, Canadians across the county celebrate National Aboriginal Day.

It is a day to be thankful for culture and heritage and to appreciate all of the contributions of First Nations in Canada.

In Fort St. James, unity was certainly a theme as everyone and anyone came to celebrate together.

Fred Sam, Chief of Nak’azdli Band was thrilled with the turnout.

“This is a time to be proud of who we are, to celebrate our heritage and to be together as a community. It’s important too that younger generations can see and appreciate where they come from and who they are,” Sam said.

“This is a day where we can all come together and celebrate our differences.”

The day was full of entertainment including D.J. Kookum, Barefoot Caravan and a local favorite, Sam Holden.

Activities were offered throughout the day at the Fort St. James Historic Site and at Cottonwood Park.

There were a variety of activities on hand for both young and old including arts and crafts, music workshops, a greased pole and buck saw contest, a prince and princess contest.

For many, the day was all about culture.

Aboriginal artisans displayed their work, and cultural exhibits included information on Carrier history and language and hunting and trapping.

Along with a variety of bouncy castles and cotton candy, the day ended with a brilliant fireworks Show on Stuart Lake.