Music, dance and prayer marked the climax of Indigenous Peoples Day on Friday.

At the Techniplex for First Light's Mawio'mi, a huge celebration of Indigenous and First Nations culture to see out #IndigenousPeoplesDay pic.twitter.com/n12oFTFrbW

— Andrew Hawthorn (@HawthornVOCM) June 21, 2019

 

The grand entrance of the Mawio’mi began with grass dancers in flowing fringe regalia, preparing the circle to receive the others.

The grass dancers were followed by jingle dancers, elders, colourful fancy-shawl dancers, and babies in arms to represent those that would continue the dance in the future, all moving to the drums of Eastern Eagle.

The celebrations included displays of handicrafts, food, and traditional athletic games.

Grass dancers prepare and bless the circle… pic.twitter.com/Pop2W0S7lL

— Andrew Hawthorn (@HawthornVOCM) June 21, 2019

 

Mawio’mi is a Mi’kmaq word meaning gathering.

This year hundreds from diverse backgrounds gathered at the techniplex in St. John’s for the First Light Native Friendship Centre’s gathering, to celebrate and share culture, some of which may have been shunned or hidden less than a generation ago.

…followed by jingle dancers, fancy shawl dancers, elders, and infants representing the next generation of dancers coming. #IndigenousPeoplesDay pic.twitter.com/RBsmbJtPcT

— Andrew Hawthorn (@HawthornVOCM) June 21, 2019