Indigenous history, culture, art and pride takes centre stage
Photos courtesy of CIRNAC
Following much anticipation, 100 Wellington Street in the Parliamentary Precinct has opened for the summer for all to visit. First Nations, Inuit and Métis share this space highlighting their distinct and rich cultures, histories and ways of life!
On June 21, 2024, the space opened with special events on National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Day (July 1). The season will wrap up with a special ceremony on September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Throughout the summer months, 100 Wellington is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am to 6pm.
Here's a sneak peek of what visitors can expect to see!
Photo gallery
Located across from Centre Block on Parliament Hill, 100 Wellington once served as the first permanent United States Embassy from 1931 to 1999, and then remained vacant until 2017 when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that it would become a space for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
As visitors enter, a large table in the lobby represents the 3 rivers that converge in the National Capital Region and is representative of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples of Canada.
In the First Nation space, a display wall features historical facts on First Nations in Canada.
Visitors will also be impressed by art from Lawrence Paul, Coast Salish artist featuring Redman: Dance on Sovereignty.
In the Inuit space, visitors are introduced to the history of northern people and their governance structures. The 4 different regional Inuit Organizations in Canada represent the Inuit who make up the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Board of Directors.
In a display case is a qulliq, an oil lamp used to light and heat Inuit homes. Today, it's used mainly at special ceremonies. Also displayed are important tools still used today, showcasing that Inuit traditional culture is alive and well.
Inside the Métis space, visitors are drawn to a ghostly figure of Louis Riel, the historic leader of the Métis, overlooking Parliament Hill.
In a display case is a buckskin jacket, mitts, hat, mukluks and a Hudson Bay blanket representing the strong connection Métis had as hunters, trappers, fur traders, entrepreneurs and nation builders.
It's hoped when visitors leave the national space that they will have a clearer understanding of who the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples are, and a more profound understanding of their unique histories, cultures, and traditions. In walking through the doors, you are joining Indigenous Peoples on a learning journey and a path towards true reconciliation.