Thousands of people gathered Saturday at the Indigenous Summer Solstice Festival in Ottawa to celebrate the heritage, culture and resilience of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. Read MoreThe event drew Indigenous people from a variety of nations to Wesley Clover Parks to mark the summer solstice.
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“Everyone should feel like they have a place in the world, that they belong, that they can be who they are as children. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Be proud of who you are. Be proud of your ancestors. They’re walking with you every day.”
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‘Salfred has a similar message for Indigenous youth looking to reconnect with their heritage and culture.
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“Just get out there and don’t care if anyone else is judging you. I clearly don’t look like the most native person. I’ve got red hair and pale skin and I don’t give a s–t. Just go do it,” she said with a laugh.
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Dancers took part in the Grand Entry to begin the powwow Saturday afternoon under the hot sun, their regalia dancing in the wind and shimmering with vibrant, stunning colours. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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The public filled the grounds of Wesley Clover Parks on Saturday afternoon, taking in the festivities under the hot sun as the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival came to life with music, dance and celebration. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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Dancers took part in the Grand Entry to begin the powwow Saturday afternoon. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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Dancers took part in the Grand Entry to begin the powwow Saturday afternoon. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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Dancers took part in the Grand Entry to begin the powwow Saturday afternoon under the hot sun. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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The annual Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival was held at a new location, Wesley Clover Parks, offering a larger space for expanded cultural programming, performances, and competitions. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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Dancers took part in the Grand Entry to begin the powwow Saturday afternoon. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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Dancers took part in the Grand Entry to begin the powwow Saturday afternoon under the hot sun. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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Dancers took part in the Grand Entry to begin the powwow Saturday afternoon under the hot sun, their regalia dancing in the wind and shimmering with vibrant, stunning colours. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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Dancers gathered for the Grand Entry to begin the powwow Saturday afternoon. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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Dancers took part in the Grand Entry to begin the powwow Saturday afternoon. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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Sam Ojeda, a Yoreme artist and cultural teacher from northwestern Mexico, wore yellow and black, representing the area he is from. Ojeda said he was taking part in the weekend event in Ottawa for a chance to have fun and pray for everyone who needed prayers. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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Cassandra Tolley of Kitigan Zibi, an Algonquin First Nation community, posed proudly in her regalia Saturday as she showcased her intricate beadwork among the many Indigenous vendors at the festival. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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Jilleen Niles, a mental wellness, crisis, and intake worker with the Wabano Centre, stood in regalia she crafted herself, adorned with blueberries and fiddleheads — symbols from a powerful dream that called her to the powwow circle. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
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