A powerful musical performance during the North West Friendship Centre National Indigenous People Day event on June. 21. (Julia Lovett-Squires/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Meadow Lake NIPD

Meadow Lake celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 21, 2025 | 7:50 PM

It was a cold and windy day in Meadow Lake but for those who attended the North West Friendship Centre’s Indigenous Peoples Day event, the enthusiastic energy and smiling faces were enough to warm the crowd.

“It helps with building relationships right and reconciliation,” said Kyla Wapass, mental health therapist, North West Friendship Centre of the events the centre hosts.

Damien McCallum cuddles ‘Ducky’ while Bear Marshall leans in with sa treat during the North West Friendship Centre National Indigenous People Day event on June. 21. (Julia Lovett-Squires/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

“Come and understand us, come and see what we are about, come and watch ou children – come and watch them interact, entertain.”

Saturday’s festivities brought out young and old for a day of fun, food and community building. Jaycee Patanade, who had brought her children out, said she had heard her neighbours mention there was an event and so the family came out.

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Doreen Egeland sits bundled up as she watches the dancing during the North West Friendship Centre National Indigenous People Day event on June. 21. (Julia Lovett-Squires/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

“They’re enjoying it,” she said, noting they came directly to the facepainting as soon as they arrived.

Among some of the other sights included dancing demonstrations, drumming performances and even a petting zoo.

“It’s nice to get people out, I’m excited to see the dancers, I’m excited to see everything going on and it’s really nice having everybody here,” said Jackie Bury.

Jingle dancers perform during the North West Friendship Centre National Indigenous People Day event on June. 21. (Julia Lovett-Squires/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

For 97-year-old Doreen Egeland, who was sitting on a chair watching festivities in a black leather jacket, there was only one question on her mind.

“When is summer going to get here?”

Leonard Cardinal holds on to three-year-old Jackson-Khai LeFleur as he dances to the drums and singing during the North West Friendship Centre National Indigenous People Day event on June. 21. (Julia Lovett-Squires/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

Meanwhile, Wapass explained that the event came together because of partnerships made with organizations.

“It’s beautiful actually, I love it,” she said, adding they hope to see it expand and grow. Wapass already has ideas for next year.

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: juleslovett.bsky.social