Sunrise ceremony marks National Indigenous Peoples Day in Kitchener

Early risers in Kitchener-Waterloo gathered in front of TheMuseumin downtown Kitchener on Thursday morning to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day as well as summer solstice.

AlMcDonald, anAnishinaabefire keeper,started the fire at 5 a.m.

By 6 a.m., dozens of people gathered in a circle for a traditionalsunrise ceremony, led by community elder Kelly Fran Davis.

Fran Davis said summer solstice is used as an opportunity to show gratitude for the life and resources they are given.

"We're here to celebrate our culture, it certainly gives an opportunity across Canada for people to recognize Indigenous people and who we are," said McDonald.

Participants were invited to use tobacco for their prayers, which they put into the communal fire.

"I'm hoping that people walk away with a little more understanding of our sunrise ceremony," said McDonald.

"It's so wonderful to see everybody here. We're here to celebrate our culture," he said.

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