Members of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, joined by City of Victoria officials, crossed the Inner Harbour in two canoes today as part of the opening ceremonies for the Victoria Indigenous Cultural Festival.
A canoe crossing ceremony at the Inner Harbour kicks off the Victoria Indigenous Cultural Festival @IndigenousBC #yyj pic.twitter.com/Js6QSYniyq
— Victoria News (@VictoriaNews) June 21, 2018
Canoe paddlers asked Songhees Chief Ron Sam for permission to come ashore, and afterwards the crew proceeded to the Royal BC Museum led by a singing drummer.
The three-day festival offers a chance for people to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day today (June 21), and from now until Saturday the grounds of the museum play host to Indigenous music, dance, art and food vendors.
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Events run all three days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include smudge ceremonies, an artisan market, totem pole tours, cedar weaving and drum making demonstrations, canoe tours, and performances by local and visiting singers and dancers.
Traditional First Nations food (some with a modern twist) will also be available, including barbecued salmon burgers, fry bread and traditional clam chowder.
For more information on the even you can visit indigenousbc.com/victoria-indigenous-festival/.
