Time to 'get away from the prejudice,' says Walpole Island Chief on National Indigenous Peoples Day

The Chief of Walpole Island-Bkejwanong Territory said National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to remove prejudices and be proud of what First Nations people have accomplished. 

Members of the First Nation welcomed non-Indigenous people to take part in their Mini Pow Wow which celebrated Solstice Day and National Indigenous Peoples Day. 

"The biggest thing is our cultural sensitive training to them,"  said Chief Dan Miskokomon, when asked what the celebrations offer for the community. 

"This gives us an opportunity via traditional pow wows, and some of our wigwams we have for teachings, the boat rides - that gives them a good flavour of what we have but also tells the membership we have something to be proud of."

'Let's get away from the prejudice'

"The people are really generous and really communicative, sharing of history. But the other thing is to show that the touch of the history we have, to cherish it," said Miskokomon.

"The biggest thing? Let's get away from the prejudice. Let's develop partnerships to start working together, to create wealth or job opportunities." 

Miskokomon, who was recently re-elected as Chief, said he still experiences prejudice even in his role.

"Absolutely, it's kind of low-key," he said.

"It's there and they say 'Why don't you guys get a job or quit using the tax dollars."

Miskokomon said days like today show there's a need for people to reach out and connect with each other. 

Celebration of language

One way he's noticed it happening is through the words people are learning.

"Once you leave you say Boozhoo, Miigwetch. That to me is, when a guy comes in to say that, honourable. It's an honour to say that."

Earlier in the morning the community gathered at the Bkejwanong First Nation Public Library where a national literacy campaign by TD Bank was kicked off.

The even opened with a group of Ojibway singers. 

"When you hear the native language is very kind of musical and when I hear it? It warms my heart," said librarian Linda-Lou Classens, who says hearing the music makes her remember her younger days. 

"I think it's really important that our kids hear that."

Classens said that hosting a literacy day on National Indigenous Peoples Day was not a coincidence, saying that it's a way to shine a beacon on a pillar of community. 

"Support First Nation libraries. When you hear about our events come on out, invite us out."

Classens, a storyteller, visits schools to pass on the teachings of her First Nations. 

"It's really, really important to educate the outside world because a lot of people have really the wrong slant on our history because history is written by the conquerors."