In pictures: National Indigenous Peoples Day in Yellowknife

On the longest day of the year, a large crowd gathered under the sun in Yellowknife to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with fish, beans, bannock, and copious amounts of dancing and music.

At Somba K’e Park on Sunday, the North Slave Métis Alliance hosted their annual fish fry event, inviting all Yellowknifers to enjoy a delectable plate of Great Slave white fish. Hungry attendees waited more than 20 minutes with lines of people extending down the road to City Hall.

While many people enjoyed the food, it didn’t outshine the reason for the celebration.

“Today is an opportunity to reflect on the truths of our shared history and on the responsibility,” said Yellowknife Mayor Ben Hendriksen. “It’s not just a single act of reconciliation, but an ongoing commitment.”

People enjoy food, music and performances at Sambe K’e Park for National Indigenous Peoples Day. Kai Wilson/Cabin Radio

Volunteers at the National Indigenous Day Fish Fry and Stage Show wrap Great Slave white fish for hungry waiting Yellowknifers in Somba K’e park. Kai Wilson/Cabin Radio

Edmonton Métis Traditional Dancers invite Yellowknifers to come dance at Samba K’e Park. Kai Wilson/ Cabin Radio

During opening remarks, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and former Yellowknife mayor Rebecca Alty added: “These gatherings create space for reflection, to listen and learn, so that we can take more meaningful action.”

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As music began to play and community members feasted on their plates, Yellowknifers including Bessie Norris, who attended the event with her mother and daughter, reflected on the sentiment of the day.

“It’s so important that we acknowledge our Indigenous rights and our freedoms, and also just remember where we’ve come from, and it’s just really beautiful,” she said, while emphasizing the importance of spending the day with her family.

Yellowknifers watch the Edmonton Métis Traditional Dancers jig, Kai Wilson/Cabin Radio

Edmonton Métis Traditional Dancers dance with Yellowknifers. Kai Wilson/ Cabin Radio

Yellowknife Dene First Nation Drummers perform at National Indigenous Peoples Day. Kai Wilson/Cabin Radio

As part of the festivities, the Yellowknife Dene First Nation Drummers played, and the Edmonton Métis Traditional Dancers, who have been coming to Yellowknife since 2006, performed. Head of the dancers, Lyle Donald, said the group has been dancing for more than 40 years, and coming to these events “means a lot to him.”

“We’re Indigenous people, we have a lot to be proud about,” he said, adding that the groups’ jigging often inspires people to learn more and invest more in their own culture.

Throughout the day, Yellowknifers were invited to come up to jig alongside fellow community members and dancers, honoring the day with endless light.