National Aboriginal Day celebrated at Our Place
Esquimalt Drummers & Dancers highlight day’s festivities
VICTORIA, B.C. – Our Place has always been a place of sanctuary for the most vulnerable members of our community, including those who identify as Aboriginal. But on Friday, June 19, it will also become a place of joyous celebration with a traditional First Nations meal and entertainment provided by the Esquimalt Drummers & Dancers.
Of the 600-800 people who access meals, programs and services at Our Place daily, over 30-per-cent identify as Aboriginal. Over the past year, Our Place has expanded its First Nations programs to include: First Nations’ elders advising and teaching staff, Aboriginal Housing advocates, Morning Healing Circle, and on-site indigenous counsellors who are helping to heal the wounds of residential schools, addiction and abuse. Plus, local artists and members of the Our Place family have added their unique touch to our walls as one way to help bridge our cultures together.
For National Aboriginal Day, Our Place is celebrating with a special lunch of fresh caught Sockeye salmon (provided by Finest At Sea), First Nations blessing, and a spirited performance by the Esquimalt Drummers & Dancers.
“Aboriginal people have made a significant contribution to this country,” says Don Evans, executive director of Our Place. “Our Place has placed strong emphasis on helping our urban Aboriginal neighbours who are experiencing extreme poverty. It’s important that we honour and celebrate all Aboriginal people, including those living on our streets.”