Iqaluit feasts for National Indigenous Peoples Day
First responders host barbecues; elders enjoy country food at Qammaq
Elders help themselves to country food at the Qammaq in Iqaluit Friday. The feast was in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
Burgers, hot dogs and country food brought many people out in Iqaluit Friday for National Indigenous Peoples Day.
The annual event, which falls upon the summer solstice every year, is a celebration of Inuit, First Nations and Métis culture and heritage across Canada.
Two barbecues were set up to celebrate the day.
At the Summer Square, the City of Iqaluit’s firefighters served food to a long lineup of attendees while Iqaluit band the Trade-Offs got people dancing to their rocking set. At the same time, the RCMP held another barbecue outside the detachment.
Inside the Elders Qammaq, around 20 elders feasted on char, caribou and narwhal. Alice Ningeongan, one of the elders taking in the activities there, described the occasion as “special.”
“It makes me think of my ancestors who were strong,” Ningeongan said.
“I’m one of the residential school survivors and I’m very happy that I get to eat country food even though I can’t hunt myself.”
Following lunch, the elders played bingo at the Qammaq.
The Arctic Winter Games arena is hosting a free turf until 5 p.m. Then at 5:30 p.m., Arnaitok Arena is open for a free skate.
Iqaluit firefighters serve burgers and hotdogs at the City of Iqaluit's National Indigenous Peoples Day gathering. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
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