Celebrating in the streets

National Aboriginal Day was celebrated by hundreds of people, both Aboriginal and not, outside of the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society on Leon Avenue Tuesday.

The festivities, held across Canada, celebrate Aboriginal culture while acknowledging the contributions Aboriginals have made to Canadian society.

“It gives us the opportunity to display some of our culture, share our culture, traditions, and the opporutny to have fun,” said Edna Terbasket, executive director of the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society. “It kind of demystifies some of the myths there are about us. We want what everybody else has.”

Leon Avenue was closed down between Ellis Street and Pandosy Street, and Aboriginal art vendors set up booths, food was served and kids hopped around in a bouncy castle.

Traditional dances were performed by the young and old alike, and several local politicians spoke.

“As we begin the dialogue and discussion on the path to reconciliation and resetting the relationship, this becomes a day where we can dialogue, we can acknowledge the contributions of Aboriginal people,” said West Kelowna mayor, Doug Findlater, at the event.

Photo: Nicholas Johansen