A memorable day of bonding

Overcast weather did not deter the dozens of people who joined together on Front Street to celebrate Aboriginal Day in Sioux Lookout.
A Sunrise Ceremony held at the Nishnawbe Gamik Friendship Centre started off the events. As the day progressed the crowd gathered to participate in the dedication ceremony of seven grandfather rocks that have been placed in Centennial Park.
The ceremony dedicating the grandfather rocks was a culmination of months of effort between Jerry Sawanas, a translator/radio announcer at Wawatay, Joyce Timpson, a councillor with the Municipality of Sioux Lookout and Sioux Lookout community development officer Florence Bailey.
Bailey said the seven rocks were hand selected in partnership with the First Nations community and each has a special meaning.
Reverend Bill Morris from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug opened the ceremony with a prayer of thanks, before going on to sing a traditional song taught to him by an Elder and then prayed as a blessing for the Rocks.
Lac Seul Chief Clifford Bull said that celebrating Aboriginal Day is a way to recognize the significance of having First Nations cultures, values and teachings still here in Canada.
“We need to recognize how First Nations have made a great impact on how Canada was originally formed, and also that First Nations have made an impact in all areas in how Canada was established,” Bull said. “Sharing of resources, teaching people how to live off the land, these were valuable traits that were taught to people in helping each other to create this great country we have.”
As the sun finally arrived a festive crowd enjoyed the many and varied activities that were offered including crafts and cultural activities
Later in the afternoon a powwow was held in Centennial Park and the day ended with a traditional feast attended by many people at the Friendship Centre.
“It makes me happy instead of walking around sad, cause it brings people together,” said Marcel, a First Nations man who lives in Sioux Lookout.
All who participated agreed that Aboriginal Day 2013 was an event to be remembered.