National Indigenous Peoples Day presented byRed Sky Metis Independent Nation at Fort William Historical Park
by Scott A. Sumner
“ Today, June 21st, is the National Indigenous Peoples Day and we are holding an event at the Fort William Historical Park with over 300 children from 3 local schools attending our activities. The event is to educate the kids about our culture and our history,” said Donelda DeLaRonde, Executive Director of Red Sky Metis Independent Nation.
Fort William Historical Park is the site of one of two original forts the Northwest Company built in 1717. It flooded out and then they moved in 1821 to the East End after the Hudson's Bay Company took it over.
“ We wanted to bring our activities out here to the Fort William Historical Park because it is a part of our history.The first fort was built by Northwest company in 1697 near the Victoria Ave and Kam River area where the boat launch was.The students have 16 different stations where they can learn more about our culture.They run around and get a stamp in their book and get a prize. The kids had a barbeque lunch and also ice cream donated by Merla-Mae which was fantastic.”noted Donelda.
Parks Canada and Red Sky Metis Independent Nation in partnership, are going to be putting in the schools our history as part of the curriculum in September. This is a major goal accomplished we have had for sometime said Donelda.
