The 3rd Annual Celebration of Nations held a procession of Nations today in downtown St. Catharines as part of events for this year’s celebration.
The procession, starting on St. Paul Street, was on the route of an ancient and enduring Indigenous trail.
The Annual Celebration of Nations is a gathering of Indigenous arts, culture and tradition.
A special ceremony followed the procession at the Backyard of the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre.
The weekend events start with a Sunrise Ceremony and burning of sacred fire. The fire symbolizes living and growth.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Empathic Traditions: Honouring Mother Earth.”
The ceremony acknowledged with loud ovation, the contribution of elders and veterans of Nations who have fought for the community, and continued to keep the tradition.
The ways of the Nations would not have been preserved if there were no elders who kept the traditions.
