Indigenous group calls for day of action on Canada 150

Canada Day is fast approaching and not everyone will be celebrating.

A four-day reoccupation ceremony started Thursday for Parliament Hill.

Indigenous group the Bawaating Water Protectors, from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., set up a teepee to raise awareness of the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said those taking part in the ceremony should be treated with respect and understanding.

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Chief Bobby Cameron recognizes some Indigenous people will instead be taking part in an Idle No More call to action.

UNsettling Canada 150 is set to take place July 1. It’s a day of action for Indigenous rights to self-determination, their lands, territories and resources to be celebrated.

Idle No More is encouraging people to take to social media for the day of action.

Cameron said he will be taking part in Canada Day festivities with his family.

“I’m going to treat it like every other year because my children love the fireworks. They love the ice cream, and they love the BBQ and picnicking, the laughing and playing around – so that’s what I’m going to do,” Cameron said.

He hopes those celebrating remember why the truth and reconciliation of Canada is important to the country’s history.

Cameron said he also thinks Saskatoon is leading the way when it comes to creating awareness of the history of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples.

Saskatoon Tribal Chief Felix Thomas said more still has to be done in terms of reconciliation before everyone can celebrate on July 1. He has hope for Canada’s 200th birthday.

“Then we’ll have everybody celebrating what it means to be in Canada and the dark history has been put to rest. It’s acknowledged, but it won’t be a barrier,” Thomas said.

In Saskatoon, festivities will be held at Diefenbaker Park on July 1, including a performance by Saskatchewan country singer Jess Moskaluke.

The federal government is spending $500 million on Canada 150 celebrations.