Mission Friendship Centre will mark Indigenous Day next Friday (June 21) with its annual event at Fraser River Heritage Park.
This year's event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature crafts, vendors, storytelling, drumming, yoga, healthy activities, face painting, a sharing circle and a colouring contest.
Free food will be available, including bannock, hot dogs, chili, and tandoori chicken. Mission Fire Rescue Service will also be on-site with their truck to give tours and provide tips on fire safety.
Mission Friendship Centre executive director Dawn Styran says community partners are coming out in full strength to support the event.
"We've had excellent turnout over the years, which shows the support and the the importance of the event and the awareness raised by event for the broader community," Styran said.'
"It's not just a celebration but it is the day of acknowledgement and recognition for all Indigenous peoples in Canada and on Turtle Island. It's a step in reconciliation."
The centre encourages those in attendance to honour Indigenous culture. Those in attendance will also have an opportunity to create commitment sticks, that pledge to stand up against domestic violence and abuse against women and children.
The Friendship Centre is still seeking drummers and dancers because they're in high demand.
"I hate the word performers when it comes to culture. They're not an act, not performers - but to use a matriarch's term - they are energy changers. They bring awareness to the history of our peoples. They share their medicine through their songs and their dance because every movement, every beat of the drum, every tone has medicine and meaning," Styran said.
A silent auction will take place with all proceeds going towards Mission Friendship Centre programs and future events. Parking will be also available through donations.
Donations can be made to the centre's elder food bank as well, which feeds roughly 70 people per week. Half of the non-perishable donations will also be provided to St. Joseph's Food Bank. Styran says items such as peanut butter, coffee, tea and toilet paper are most needed.
