It was a day to celebrate First Nations in Port Stanley. The Elgin County village on Friday played host to Oneida Arrival Day, an event to commemorate the Oneida Peoples’ journey across Lake Erie nearly two centuries ago. Among the hundreds on hand to take in the sights and sounds at Little Beach was Oneida Elder, 82 year old Rog Cornelius. “We’re a welcoming people. We share what we have, whether there’s a little bit, or plenty,” he said. Oneida Arrival Day marks the story of how in 1840 First Nations were forced from their home in Oneida, New York. 200 crossed Lake Erie by boat and landed on what would become the shores of Elgin County, Ontario. Oneida elected councillor Alizabeth George-Antone says each member bought and paid for land to establish the Oneida First Nation community we know today. “We have a very unique story because Oneida came here and purchased our land in 1840 before Canada was fully a country at that time. So Oneida has unique status with our land,” George-Antone explained. Arrival Day is filled with art, food, and music. A celebration of First Nations culture shared by Oneida community members. Leaders from both Port Stanley and Oneida say it also plays a big role in fostering Truth and Reconciliation. “And I think what’s happening right now is a great demonstration of Truth and Reconciliation. We’re coming together. Doors are open. Hands are open. And we’re going to learn from each other,” said Tonya Antone, a musician and MC for the Oneida Community Band. “It’s an understanding day. It’s a day for us to learn about the Oneida people, and also to have some fun as a community,” said Central Elgin Mayor Andrew Sloan. As for one elder on this Arrival Day, Rog Cornelius’s message is simple. “We’re human. We should get along and do everything toward that.”
