Hundreds gathered Wednesday on Leon Avenue to celebrate National Aboriginal Day.
Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society Executive Director Edna Terbasket believes her people are misunderstood by the majority of Canadians.
"A lot of mainstream folks don't know the history of us Indigenous people. We are hoping to say, Ok, I really want to take it upon yourself, take some responsibility upon yourself and do some research".
Terbasket says the curriculm in schools must change to tell the real story of the atrocities that occurred to Indigenous children at residential schools.
"And people wonder why do they (Aboriginals) have such a tough time with addiction and drugs and why can't they hold down a job? If they think about all the trauma, the multi-generational trauma that they have experienced, it is a wonder that we are still alive", Trerbasket added.