June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada and there are festivities planned in communities all across the NWT.
In Fort Simpson, Liidlii Kue First Nation (LKFN) has a particularly robust celebration planned, with a community feast, canoe races, traditional games, bingo, and performances from musician Stanley Beaulieu and comedian Auntie Beachress on the schedule.
"National Indigenous Peoples Day is a significant and heartfelt occasion for our community here in Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson," said LKFN Chief Kele Antoine. "It is a day where we come together to honour and celebrate our rich cultural heritage, traditions, and the resilience of our people.
"For us, this day is an opportunity to share our stories, our music, our dances, and our way of life with each other and with the broader community. It serves as a reminder of our connection to the land, our ancestors, and our responsibilities to future generations," he added. "This celebration is vital for fostering a sense of belonging and pride among our people. It strengthens our community bonds and ensures that our traditions are passed down to younger generations. It is also an occasion to showcase the vibrancy and diversity of Indigenous cultures to a wider audience, promoting respect and appreciation for our ways of life."
Kali Norn, a 25-year-old from Fort Liard who now lives and works in Fort Simpson, plans to participate in the day's activities, and is looking forward to the drum dancing and traditional games on the schedule in particular.
"It's a day to acknowledge the resilience and beauty amongst Indigenous cultures," she said, encouraging her fellow Dene to "continue to embrace the culture, and practice and learn from our Elders."
To the east, the town of Fort Smith also has plenty of excitement planned for Indigenous Peoples Day, including a community feast, a bike giveaway, a fish pond, and face-painting for kids.
Michel Labine, a Métis resident of the community, is excited to participate in the local celebrations, and is especially eager for the opportunity to acknowledge the area's Indigenous Elders.
"They're going to be recognizing some Elders this year again, like they normally do, and I want to be there to help acknowledge the fact that these Elders have contributed to the community and to the Northwest Territories," he said. "It's nice to know that they're being acknowledged."
Indigenous Peoples Day is important to Labine, but he admits it is "also a sad day" because his Métis lineage is not currently recognized as Indigenous by the GNWT.
The government defines "Indigenous Métis" as people of Chipewyan, Cree or Slavey ancestry who identify as Métis and "resided in or used and occupied any part of the land and resources AiP (agreement in principle) area on or before December 31, 1921, or a descendant of such a person." Labine's forebears did not reside in or use that area, so he does not technically qualify as Indigenous in the NWT.
"The Northwest Territories only recognizes Métis that were living in the Northwest Territories prior to 1921," he said. "I try to celebrate the positive side of [Indigenous Peoples Day], but at the same time, it makes me really feel that the Northwest Territories has to open their eyes and recognize the fact that probably more than half of the Métis population in Fort Smith — probably three quarters of the Métis population — is not [considered] Indigenous.
"It's not that we want to be part of their land claims, we just want to be recognized and receive the benefits that Métis across Canada receive," he added. "We fell through the cracks."
There are many other Indigenous Peoples Day ceremonies planned across the NWT.
In Hay River, for example, residents can look forward to a multicultural talent show with a $1,600 prize, a free kids fun fair, and lots more, according to local tourism coordinator Jill Morse.
In Whati, meanwhile, plans include bannock making, a bow and arrow event, and plenty of other competitions and traditional games.
In Nahanni Butte, celebrations include a community lunch and speeches from local Elders, according to Chief Steve Vital.
Indigenous Peoples Day, after all, is not just about on group in one region, but all of the Indigenous peoples across Canada.
“The history of Canada as a nation is incomplete without our Indigenous peoples, our cultures, and our histories," said Vital. "This day provides an opportunity for Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of Indigenous peoples to our communities.”