The Mi’kmaq people of Conne River joined with their counterparts all across Canada on June 21 in celebrating National Aboriginal Day.
Chief Misel Joe said, “This special day is set aside for aboriginal peoples in Canada to celebrate our unique heritage, cultures, languages, traditions and the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal peoples in this great country.
“We are here today to celebrate who we are as a people, and we have welcomed all residents of the Coast of Bays to come out and participate in this special day with us. We have so much to be thankful for and this is one day we can come out and celebrate that.”
Priscilla Drew, a Mi’kmaq elder in Conne River, said, “This is a very special day for the Mi’kmaq nation. It’s very important that we celebrate our heritage and culture and pass it on to the next generations as the years go by so that our history and culture will be kept alive forever.”
The celebrations at Conne River included an outdoor Mass led by Bishop Anthony Daniels and Father Brophy, performances by the Paqtism’j Drummers from Conne River, dancing, singing and a delicious meal at the end of the event.
