Aboriginal day full document

National

Aboriginal day June 21, 2016

WHAT’S INSIDE • B.C. government invests in First Nations housing • A brief history of First Nations in the Nicola Valley • Infrastructure upgrades coming to Upper Nicola • First Nations graduates celebrated at Civic Centre

Published by the Merritt Herald

B2 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

June 16, 2016

HAVE A HEALTHY

Vision: A strong, flourishing community in harmoney with our Tmixw

N’kwala School

Parents, community members and staff working together to achieve the highest quality of education for our students to be lifelong learners.

STAFF MISSION STATEMENT

Check C heck o out u t tthe h e benefits b e n e fi t s a att N N’Kwala: ’Kwala: TO ENSURE THAT EACH STUDENT BE AT OR ABOVE GRADE LEVEL

SSmall mall teacher teacher student student ratio ratio maximizes maximizes learning learning wS Student tudent ffocused ocused llearning earning and and teaching teaching w Syilx language and culture Check out the benefits at N’Kwala: Serving communities: w Healthy snacks and hot lunch provided ➤ Small teacher student ratio maximizes learning Merritt | Quilchena | Douglas Lake Certified Category 2 and Independent School – Provincial standards '/4" $FSUJGJFE ➤wStudent focused learning teaching ➤wSyilx andincluding culture K4 –language Grade 12, the Adult Graduation Diploma ➤wHealthy snacks and hot lunch provided Open to all students 94109410 N’Kwala Rd., Douglas N’Kwala RoadLake, B.C. w

➤ Certified Category 2 Independent School – Provincial standards, FNSA Certified communities: ➤Serving K4 – Grade 12, including the Adult Graduation Diploma | Quilchena | Douglas Lake ➤Merritt Open to all students

Phone: 250-350-3370 or 350-3342 (summer)

Douglas Lake, B.C.

Email: nkwala@uppernicola.com or 250-350-3370 or 350-3342 (summer) principal@uppernicola.com

Phone: %Mail: nkwala@uppernicola.com

THURSDAY, June 16, 2016 • B3

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ABORIGINAL DAY IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE

LNIB school expansion underway

Proud to serve our Aboriginal Community!

2601 NICOLA AVENUE,

More students means more classrooms at the LNIB school they’re part of the school,” Sterling said.

The expansion of the kindergarten to grade 7 school will also provide a large computer room, Principal Angie Sterling is excited to see what which will come with a few new computers, as her school will look like in the near future. well.

An expansion The school’s of the Lower culture and lanNicola Indian guage program Band School will also now recently broke have its own ground and is classroom. beginning to show “They’ve signs of what’s to never had one, come as constructhey just have tion crews have a little office already dug out space,” she said. the ground where Sterling four new classsaid when she rooms will sit. started working Sterling told at the Lower the Herald the Nicola Indian school needs more Band School 16 space, noting that years ago the this renovation (From left) Lower Nicola Indian Band School principal Angie Sterling, Desert City school had just will allow their 32 students and Contracting worker Jason Sterling, and support staff members Doris Sterling, Jessie Devlin Daryl Lynne Macneal, Barb Basil and Sioux Swakum stand where has since grown grade 2/3 split four new classrooms will be added to the school. Michael Potestio/Herald class, currently to 85. located in a porSterling table on the property, to move in-house. Each said the added classrooms should allow them to grade will be able to have its own classroom. increase their number of students.

“It’ll be nice, once the addition is built, they The project is expected to be complete by can move right in the addition and feel like December.

Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

MERRITT, B.C. 250-378-5141 KalTire.com

Celebrating the contributions of

ABORIGINAL PEOPLE from Coast to Coast

250.378.2211 2380 Nicola Avenue, Merritt, BC

PROUD TO CELEBRATE OUR ABORIGINAL CULTURE. MARIO’S TOWING WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUR SUPPORT AND WISHES FOR A STRONG FUTURE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

NATIONAL

Aboriginal Day June 21, 2016

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June 16, 2016

ABORIGINAL DAY

Thank you for your hard work and dedication in keeping the Nicola Valley healthy for future generations.

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SENSATIONAL SINGER Inuk artist Kelly Fraser recently performed at the Culture Club in downtown Merritt, one of three acts on June 11. Fraser, who is originally from Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, sings in both English and Inuktitut. After moving to Toronto from her home town, Fraser met with someone who mentioned the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. That was all the convincing Fraser needed to relocate from the big city to Merritt. Fraser’s infectious energy on stage is paired well with her powerful voice. Whether she’s singing about how much she loves butter (a must-have condiment in Nunavut, she explained to the audience), or using music to advocate on an impending land referendum at home, her message is not lost on the audience. Cole Wagner/Herald

Ph: 250-378-6166 Toll Free: 1-877-841-2100

#102, 2840 Voght Street, Box 236 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8

HAPPY ABORIGINAL DAY! We welcome you to join in the celebration of Aborginal culture and tradition.

NVIT is proud to once again offer the Summer Leadership Intensive. This Summer’s Intensive is designed for people of all backgrounds with a similar interest of bettering their communities and organizations.

Be an #EMERGINGLEADER July Ju uly y 10-15 1100-15 1 AGLP 111 – Aboriginal Governance and the Indian Act 15 July 17-22 AGLP 160 – Aboriginal Leadership and Governance Systems

Sharing Knowledge, Preparing Leaders.

NVIT.ca/aboriginalgovernanceleadership.htm

TOLL FREE 1.877.682.3300

NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

THURSDAY, June 16, 2016 • B5

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ABORIGINAL DAY YOUNG LEADERS FRIENDS OF THE NICOLA VALLEY

Grads celebrated

We thank the 5 Nicola Valley bands for their support to ban bio solids.

We stand united in this fight for clean air, land and water!

As the First Nations students of Merritt Secondary School passed elders, support workers, and teachers on their way across the stage, each met with raucous applause and cheers at the First Nations graduation ceremony on June 9.

The ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the 39 First Nations grads at Merritt Secondary School, but also an opportunity for a First Nations cultural celebration that featured Metis dancers, a drum circle, and a ceremonial cedar brushing and blanketing for each grad.

Elwin Danielson, who also delivered the address to the graduates on behalf of the class of 2016, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT).

But he didn’t accept the award alone, as NVIT president Ken Tourand announced that every graduate would receive at $250 scholarship.

kʷukʷstéyp

Celebrating

(Left) Old and young alike took part in the drum circle. (Above) Tanner Malloy receives a ceremonial brushing before he walked across the stage. (Top) Colton SterlingMoses received congratulations as he left the stage. Cole Wagner/Herald

National Aboriginal Day June 21st

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

Aboriginal Advisory Council

Highland Valley Copper June 21, marks the 20th Anniversary of National Aboriginal Day. We at HVC encourage our community to participate in celebrations that recognizes diverse cultures, unique heritage and valuable contributions of Aboriginal Peoples.

NATIONAL

Aboriginal Day The City of Merritt is proud to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.

City Hall: 2185 Voght Street • P: 250.378.4224 • F: 250.378.2600 • www.merritt.ca

At Highland Valley Copper we are committed to proactive engagement and collaboration with our communities in the Nlaka’pamux territory.

We can be reached by Email: hvc.feedback@teck.com or Toll Free Telephone: 1-855-523-3429

B6 • THURSDAY,

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June 16, 2016

ABORIGINAL DAY GROWING INDUSTRY

2049 Nicola Avenue, Merritt, BC 250-378-9255 • www.murraygmmerritt.com

1-888-378-9255

Lower Nicola band enters joint venture

National

Aboriginal Day Sunday, June 21

Proudly Supported by

Merritt’s Finest Mini & RV Storage

1295 Midday Valley Road, Merritt BC • 250-378-9011

Joining the community in celebrating Nationa Aboriginal Day National

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Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

The Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corporation has signed a three-year contract with Highland Valley Copper.

This joint venture with LNB Construction will provide aggregate crushing for the Teck’s mine located near Logan Lake.

Lower Nicola Band Chief Aaron Sam, said this agreement will bring employment opportunities to the local LNIB community. “Our plan is to expand and provide industrial and commercial aggregate throughout the B.C. Interior,� he said via press release. “The LNIB Development Corporation has been working diligently to develop a strong sustainable independent business entity from which to further the economic development objectives of the band,� the press release went on to state.

He said this announcement today is one of several new and exciting initiatives dedicated to creating wealth and employment opportunities for the band and its members. “This new contract creates employment and wealth for our members as employees, and is a bold new foray into industrial level aggregate production and supply for the Nicola Valley, the press release stated.

The joint venture will operate under the name Lower Nicola Site Services LP.

Isabelle Heard, who is a student at the Lower Nicola Indian Band school, submitted this poster for the Herald’s Aboriginal Day section.

Nicola Tribal Association y a D l a n i g i r o b A l a n o i Nat C COLDWATER INDIAN BAND PO Box 4600 P 2249 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 2 r XXX DPMEXBUFSCBOE DPN

C COOKS FERRY INDIAN BAND 1 10 #PY r %FFS -BOF S Spences Bridge, BC V0K 2L0 2 250-458-2224 NICOMEN INDIAN BAND PO Box 670 1054 Spence Road, Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0 250-455-2514 SISKA INDIAN BAND PO Box 519 Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0 250-455-2219 UPPER NICOLA INDIAN BAND PO Box 3700 2225 Village Road, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 r XXX VQQFSOJDPMBCBOE DPN SHACKAN INDIAN BAND 2099 Granite Ave., Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 250-378-5410 NOOAITCH INDIAN BAND 2954 Shackelly Road, Merritt, BC V1K 1N9 250-378-6141

The Nicola Tribal Association would like to Celebrate National Aboriginal Day and wish everyone a summer celebration commemorating Aboriginal Heritage and Culture.

Congratulations First Nations GRAD CLASS OF 2016 WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST FUTURE! Coldwater Indian Band, Cooks Ferry Indian Band, Nicomen Indian Band, Siska Indian Band, Upper Nicola Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, and Lower Nicola Indian Band Visit our website for more up-to-date information

www.nicolatribal.com administration@nicolatribal.org

250-378-4235

THURSDAY, June 16, 2016 • B7

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ABORIGINAL DAY LAND SWAP

Glimpse Lake a spiritual spot Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

It’s official.

The Upper Nicola Band has added a 16 hectare piece of land to its number three reserve along Glimpse Lake which holds cultural and spiritual significance to the community.

The acquisition is part of a land swap of equal size with the provincial government, exchanging land required for the Douglas Lake Road right-of-way to the provincial government for the Crown land along the lake. “It doesn’t happen very often,� Upper Nicola Chief Harvey McLeod said about adding land to the band’s reserves.

The Upper Nicola Band will host a celebration at Glimpse Lake this Monday commemorating the land acquisition as part of its Aboriginal Day celebrations ahead of the 21st. “Glimpse Lake is a gathering place for our community, and it

holds some cultural and spiritual, and fishing importance to our community,� McLeod said.

The transaction enables the province to pave a three-kilometre stretch of Douglas Lake Road that runs into the reserve three years after committing to the project via a Memorandum of Understanding with the band.

The Ministry of Transportation has already begun straightening out portions of the road in preparation of paving, McLeod said.

The paving of the road is seen as an improvement to the quality of life on the reserve. “It took us a long time to get to this day, but it is an improvement to our lifestyle [providing] easier access into our community,� McLeod said.

He said he also sees this as a new, positive relationship with the government.

The paving of the road is on schedule, he added.

(Left) Sophie, a student at the Lower Nicola Indian Band school, designed and submitted this poster. (Right) A design from a Lower Nicola Indian Band student, Cherokee.

Proud to serve the Aboriginal Community From everyone at (250) 378 6808 Located at 1951 Garcia Street

Recognizing the contributions from different cultures of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada.

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National Aboriginal Day 2338 Nicola Avenue, Merritt

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ÉˆÂŞZ Mɨ Ä… Wishing everyone in our Community and the Nlaka’pamux Nation a Happy Aboriginal Day! We hope that everybody has an opportunity to join in the fun and celebrate our cultural activities in Rotary Park on Tuesday, June 21st from 10 am to 3 pm, hosted by the Conayt Friendship Society - MɨWMYUVÂŞRá?˜

B8 • THURSDAY,

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June 16, 2016

ABORIGINAL DAY HISTORICAL ROOTS

Nicola Valley enjoys rich cultural history SUSAN GEARING-EDGE A looking glass TO THE PAST

(Dene) came into the area from the northwest.

They were related to the Tsilqotin and Dakelh.

Through warfare, intermarriage, adoption and introduced diseases, the Stuwix had dissipated by the late 1800s.

From this time on the Thompson and the Okanagan had taken over much of the Nicola Valley. Together with the Shuswap and Lillooet tribes, they were part of the Interior Salish family.

There is also evidence that an Athabaskan tribe lived among the Salish at the end of the eighteenth century.

By the early nineteenth century they were absorbed into the Salish family.

The first people to inhabit the Nicola Valley were of the Interior Salish group. They made up the strongest native groups in British Columbia.

The Nlaka’pamux (Thompson), the Syilx (Okanagan) and the Secwepemc (Shuswap) were part of the Interior Salish linguistic group.

It is estimated that their ancestors migrated into the region as early as 8,000 to 10,000 years ago.

The Nlaka’pamux lived in the valleys of the Thomson and Fraser Rivers and their tributaries. It is said that they spread into the Nicola Valley from a base located where the two rivers flowed together (where Lytton is now located).

The Nicola branch of the Nlaka’pamux are called the Sw’exmx, meaning “People of the Creek,” which comes from a root word signifying “snow melt.”

The Syilx people’s area of influence centred on the Okanagan Watershed and extended east to the Selkirk Mountains and south of the Columbia River.

They came into the Upper Nicola Valley from the Okanagan by taking various routes including the Salmon River, Pennask Plateau and the Similkameen River.

The Secwepemc lived to the north of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx in the area that includes Stump, Douglas, Chapperon and Salmon (Fish) lakes.

The Syilx moved into the Douglas Lake OFFICE HOURS: area in the 17th century under the terms of MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM the Fish Lake Accord with the Secwepemc.

Later on the Stuwix

The Okanagan and Thompson people lived in summer lodges during the warmer months. These lodges were a framework of wood covered with bark or mats.

See ‘NICOLA” Page 10

Chief Noxwiskan’s camp in Nicola, B.C., this photo taken in 1890. (Inset) Three unidentified men stand in front of a summer lodge, used by the Okanagan and Thompson First Nations. Photos courtesy of the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives.

Celebrating

Everyone is Welcome

to attend Scw’exmx Child & Family Services’

Feel the Beat Program

National Aboriginal Day June 21st

1999 Voght Street, (next to the Credit Union) PO Box 3090, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

Call: 250-378-5877

Open to anyone, adults, youth, elders, families, native, non-native.

It is offered every Tuesday and Thursday at the Shulus Hall from 4:30 to 9pm!!! Bring food, it’s Potluck Style Come out and see what it’s all about, bring your family, bring a friend, invite others for some good family fun!!!

For more info please call the Cultural Program Coordinator at (250) 378-2771 or email: YouthWorker@scwexmx.com

THURSDAY, June 16, 2016 • B9

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ABORIGINAL DAY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Lots of events planned Cole Wagner THE MERRITT HERALD

Local aboriginal groups plan on having full host of events to mark Aboriginal Day in the Nicola Valley.

Upper Nicola Band will be getting a head start on the Aboriginal Day celebrations, as the band has a trio of events planned for June 20.

The main attraction will be the grand opening of the arbor, which commemorates survivors of the Indian residential school program.

The goal of the new green space is to provide a place for Upper Nicola members to connect with their ancestral land, and learn cultural practices.

Meanwhile, the band will also be recognizing a new agreement signed between the band and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).

The memorandum of understanding between the two groups will help to bring better health care services to the band, and members of the FNHA will be on hand to mark the occasion.

The day will also be used to celebrate the addition of new lands into the reserve, as the band recently

executed a land swap agreement with the provincial government. In exchange for the lands required for the Douglas Lake Road right-of-way, the band received a 40 acre parcel of land which will be added to the Douglas Lake Indian Reserve #3.

And throughout the day, the celebration will feature hand drumming, and traditional games like spear throw, rock throw, hoop jumping and archery.

The events are slated to get underway at 10 a.m.

Meanwhile, the Conayt Friendship Society will be hosting their Aboriginal Day celebration in Rotary Park in Merritt on June 21.

The event promises to bring together elders, families, and individuals, with events catering to all ages.

A father-son lookalike contest will be hosted throughout the day, along with an archery demonstration by the Nicola Valley Archers.

A designated elders’ rest area with a tipi will be provided, while the younger crowd takes part in the watermelon eating contest.

Things will get underway at 10 a.m., and go until 4 p.m.

We would like to extend a warm thank you to all our First Nations people.

We are proud to serve the Aboriginal community

Going the Extra Mile.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week

250-378-5564 Find us at the Railyard Mall (Garcia St.)

Aboriginal June 21, 2016

National Day

We are proud to recognize and support National Aboriginal Day and would like to further acknowledge the First Nations of the Nicola Valley.

Phone: 250-378-2332

& Appliances Ltd.

HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 6 pm, Sat.: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Closed Sunday & Holidays

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June 16, 2016

ABORIGINAL DAY

Nicola salmon a staple

$SFBUJOH B DVMUVSF PG SFTQFDU BOE USVTU

From Page 8 The women would make fine mesh net fabric mats (called tule) to cover the lodge. They were portable and lightweight and could be taken down quickly and moved to another location easily.

Sometimes the natives wintered in these shelters if they were located near their winter grounds. They were reinforced for cold winter months with double layers of matting and banked with soil or bark and brush for insulation. The warmer winter shelters were commonly known A fishing weir. Photo courtesy of the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives. as pit-houses or kekule-houses. A hole was made in the ground and green timber was used for the main posts.

Lower Nicola Willow branches secured the braces and rafIndian Band ters. The structure was laced together with strips School of bark and small branches and covered with pine needles and grass. It was then covered with soil left over from digging out the base. People entered from the top and descended down a notched pole that served as a ladder.

In the summer the women would gather a large variety of roots, stems, berries, mushrooms, leaves and bulbs. The berries were dried on tule mats and “fruit leather� was made and stored for the winter. Mushrooms and roots were dried in the same manner.

A staple of the First Nations’ diet in the Nicola Valley was salmon. The fish were caught with nets and fence-like structures called weirs.

The meat was preserved for the winter by smoking or drying it in the sun or over a fire.

Hunting was considered to be one of the most honorable occupations. Animal meat was a food basic and natives hunted mostly deer, elk, bear, moose, beaver and rabbits. Carcasses were skinned, cleaned, cut up, dried and everything was stored for future use.

Each man was responsible for making his own hunting tools such as bows and arrows, knives, scrapers, deer fences, snares, traps and nets.

It was believed that an animal would be dishonored if any part of it was wasted. The hunters had a great respect for the animals they depended on for their very survival. When a young man caught his first deer, he would give away all of the meat to the community.

Today in the Nicola Valley the First Nations people still hunt and fish. Unfortunately, many of the traditional hunting grounds are lost now due to highways, ranch lands and development.

Most families today still share the wild fish and game and ensure that the elders receive a share in the meat. It is preserved by freezing, making it into jerky, smoking and sometimes canning it.

The Nlaka’pamux (previously known as the Thompson, Thompson River Salish, Thompson Salish, Thompson River Indians, or Thompson River People) are almost all in the Nicola Tribal Associations Reserves.

They refer to themselves as Scw’emx. The Spaxomin people, a branch of the Okanagan people (Syilx), who live in the Upper Nicola Valley, also belong to the Nicola Tribal Association.

“This land. Her first people. With a deep respect for both, we work with aboriginal communities and individuals with mutual understanding, respect, trust and sensitivity to cultural values and traditions.�

NATIONAL

Aboriginal Day

June 21, 2016

1750 Lindley Creek Rd., Merritt

250-378-2224

REGISTRATION 2016-2017

THE LOWER NICOLA BAND SCHOOL INVITES ALL CHILDREN (First Nations/Non First Nations) To Register for Kindergarten to Grade 7

“FREE� Daily

• Full Time Kindergarten – must be 5 yrs by Dec 31, 2016 • Bus Services provided to all areas of Merritt.

HOT LUNCH PROGRAM and SNACK PROGRAM 3 times a week

HEAD START SERVICES: • 3 & 4 year old Program (K4 must be 4 yrs old by Dec. 31, 2016) • Parent & Tot Drop In • Home Visiting Program • Transportation provided for all Head Start programs • Mom’s & Tot’s Services 0 to 6 years old

NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT “WHATS COMING�

CURRICULUM:

4 Classroom school additon.

To be completed in 2017

For more information on the history of Merritt and the Nicola Valley, call or come and visit the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives, 1675 Tutill Court, (250)-3784145. You can also visit our website at www.nicolavalleymuseum.org.

Education Comes First

• New BC Curriculum • Nle?kepmx • Cultural Studies • Field Trips • Learning Assistance Program • School supplies supplied

FACILITIES:

• Full-Size Gymnasium • Library • Computer Lab • Baseball/Soccer Field

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Lower Nicola Band School Ph: 250-378-5527 201 Horn Rd., Merritt, BC

THURSDAY, June 16, 2016 • B11

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ABORIGINAL DAY LIVING ASSISTANCE

B.C. invests in housing

PROUDLY SUPPORTING

*KX[RPRWJU -Jb

Cole Wagner THE MERRITT HERALD

for new housing.

Elders are often left with few options, as “most of them are living off their pension,” explained Aboriginal organizations in and around the McIvor-Grismer. Or elders can be left out in the Nicola Valley could benefit from a $50 million cold when a new family is looking to move into a investment in aboriginal housing, announced by new house, without the room for the the B.C. government on June grandparents, she added.

9.

Singles are another group under The investment will tarserved by the housing market in get low income individuals Merritt, as most of the people and families, aiming to crereceiving assistance from Conayt are ate enough affordable rental currently staying in hotels around housing to fill the need across town. the province.

“They’re a good place to stay, But before any piece of but not permanently,” said McIvorthe $50 million pie comes to Grismer. the Nicola Valley, aboriginal An information meeting for housing providers will have to parties interested in submitting an submit an expression of interEOI has been set for June 30 in est (EOI), and a proposal outKamloops. lining how new housing could “This funding will benefit lowerreduce the community’s need income Aboriginal people in British for affordable rentals.

Columbia by providing new and Conayt Friendship Society affordable rental housing that helps is one group in Merritt who John Rustad Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation to meet their needs for secure, famconfirmed they will be subily-friendly homes,” John Rustad, mitting an EOI. B.C. aboriginal relations minister said in a press “Right now, we’re looking at land around the release.

Merritt area,” explained Jordana McIvor-Grismer, The Conayt Friendship Society recently associate housing manager with Conayt. received news that federal funds have been conThe group has been in talks with the city of firmed for 2016, meaning the society is no longer Merritt, and a number of housing developers in danger of closing. about developing more housing, especially for “The Conayt Friendship Society cannot thank singles and elders, said McIvor-Grismer. the people of Merritt enough for signing the petiWith Conayt being one of the few groups in Merritt which provides housing assistance to elders, tion to have this funding renewed,” said Teressa Nahanee, executive director of Conayt.

McIvor-Grismer said there is a constant demand

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Stuwix Resources

Celebrating Aboriginal Day June 21

Protecting Traditional Values through Sustainable Forest Management

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Located 7 km from Merritt on Hwy 8 West Fax: 378-2566 Phone: 378-9557

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June 16, 2016

NATIONAL

Aboriginal Day Aboriginal Day Celebrations Tuesday, June 21, 2016 Rotary Park - Merritt, BC Master’s of Ceremonies: Richard Jackson Jr., James Adams and Xni Grismer-Voght Randy Chillihitzia and band to play during festivities

8:00 am – 10:00 am

Tipi Raising / Park set up - VOLUNTEERS (Men) WELCOME AND NEEDED TO HELP RAISE THE TIPI’S

10:00 am

Opening remarks Welcome Songs – ALL hand drummers welcome!

Opening Prayer & Welcome: Okanagan, Nlaka’pamux, English Singers

10:30 am

Aboriginal Day Activities commence r Activity Booth’s Open / Father Son Lookalike Contest Registration Opens r Vendor’s craft and sale booths Open r Syilx & Nlaka’pamux Tipi’s open for language, song and story telling r Archery Demonstration by Nicola Valley Archers—BJ Moore r Mother’s / Children’s rest area – designated tipi for Merritt Mom’s r Elder’s visiting / rest area – designated tipi for Elders r Tug of War

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Children’s Crafts Booth / Face Painting (11:00–12:30) r Colour the Medicine Wheel & write up meaning r Bracelet & necklace making

11:00 am

Children / Teen / Adult Contests throughout the day to include: r #BCZ $SBXMJOH $POUFTU r 8JME 4UJDL )PSTF 3BDF r 8BUFS #BMMPPO 5PTT r 4BDL SBDF &HH 4QPPO 3BDF r 8BUFS 1BSL PQFO BMM EBZ r 0UIFS HBNFT UP CF BOOPVODFE r Three leggeE SBDF

r #FBS &BHMF HBNF BHF

11:30 am – 3:30 pm

Hot dogs / Watermelon Booth’s open t 2:00 pm Watermelon Eating Contest – Child / Teen / Adult categories

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Nicola Valley Round Dance / Intertribal Dancing r *OUFS 5SJCBM r 1PUBUP %BODF 0XM %BODF

r 'SJFOETIJQ %BODF r &WFSZPOF JT XFMDPNF UP EBODF r 3PVOE %BODF

1:30 pm

Aboriginal Day Bingo starts HBNFT MFBEJOH UP CMBDLPVU

3:00 pm

Closing prayer / closing remarks

Please be prepared for the outdoor activities! Bring lawn chairs, umbrella’s, day tents, sunscreen and your own picnic lunch! A reminder this is a drug and alcohol free event.

Everyone in the Nicola Valley is welcome to come share in the festivities!

For Information call Savannah at 250-378-5107

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

PROUDLY HOSTED BY CONAYT FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY