We want people to know,’ Cree elder says as National Indigenous Peoples Day sunrise ceremony opens to media – CBC

No longer any need to hide pride in traditions and ceremonies, says Elder Jack Robinson

Jun 21, 2022

Cree Elder Jack Robinson says the time for hiding is over, and there is no need for First Nations people to be ashamed of their customs and traditions.

Holding a colourful pipe and sitting inside a teepee in the northern Manitoba city of Thompson on Tuesday morning, Robinson explained his reason for pulling aside the teepee’s skirt and allowing cameras to be present for a sunrise ceremony to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Joined in a circle by about 25 others inside the teepee, with a bonfire crackling in the middle, Robinson acknowledged that others might not be happy about it, but said some practices, like forbidding photography during ceremonies, were born of fear and should be cast aside.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/national-indigenous-peoples-day-winnipeg-thompson-manitoba-1.6495950