Good neighbours attend one another’s community events, whether it’s a hockey game, school concert, or the celebration of an important date.
The same is true for non-Indigenous Steelworkers who want to build good relationships with their Indigenous neighbours.
How to find out about events
• Many First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have web pages with events calendars, and are active on Facebook and other social media platforms.
• If your area has an Indigenous Friendship Centre, Indigenous-run university or college, or other similar organization, visit their web pages to learn about upcoming events.
• Summer is pow wow time. Pow wows are well advertised in the community, including on First Nations’ web sites. Some provincial Indigenous organization publish annual directories.
• Many nations and organizations hold public events to mark key dates including Louis Riel Day (celebrated on the third Monday in February and on November 16, depending on jurisdiction), National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), National Indigenous History Month (June), Orange Shirt Day or National Truth and Reconciliation Day (September 30), and the Inuit winter feast of Quviasukvik (late fall or winter). An internet search will help you find specific events near you.
How to behave at events
• Don’t go where you’re not invited, but always go when you are invited
o Events advertised as “everyone welcome” or “all community and allies welcome” are open to all
o When you are invited by the community or by a leader to attend an event, go! Bring food, a gift, or whatever is appropriate to the event (which could include giving firewood or loaning equipment such as a teepee)
• Do some research before the event so you know more about the community sponsoring the event, their way of life, their traditional protocols, and the event itself
• Behave with respect and kindness. Don’t touch ceremonial objects or regalia without asking permission first; be gracious when the answer is “no”. Don’t take pictures without asking permission first. If you are attending a sacred fire, do not put anything other than tobacco, sage, cedar, or sweetgrass in the fire.
• Don’t consume alcohol or recreational drugs before attending or during any event with spiritual significance. If you’re not sure whether an event has spiritual significance, err on the side of caution and attend clean and sober.
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