Current Stories

Aboriginal Day Celebrations Planned Across Canada

By Cam Martin

National Aboriginal Day (June 21st) marks a very important day for all First Nations peoples and their relationship with the rest of Canada. Since Governor General Roméo A. LeBlanc first declared Aboriginal Day in 1996 it has become the centre of an annual week-long celebration of national unity that includes St-Jean Baptiste Day (June 24th), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27th), and Canada Day (July 1st).

National Aboriginal Day is a time to celebrate our diversity, to demonstrate to others what makes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures special. This is also a day to consider the importance of unity and recognize common beliefs that bind us and provide a sense of a greater community within Canada. This year’s theme is “Sharing Our Stories," which reminds us not only of the stories of our elders and the lessons that they have to teach but also of the stories yet unwritten. Weaving the lessons of the past into our future ensures that First Nations traditions will continue to be a large part of Canadian culture. Take this opportunity to share Aboriginal culture with others and show them the beauty and wisdom that makes our people special.

To raise awareness for National Aboriginal Day, the Aboriginal People’s Television Network (APTN) is holding a flag design contest encouraging students to create a work of art that helps to showcase First Nations culture. Participants (ages 12-17) are asked to submit an original design for a flag that best displays the richness and diversity of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. The winner will be flown to Winnipeg to present their flag during a live broadcast. The winner will also receive $400 and as an added bonus, if the flag entry was part of a school project, the winner’s school will receive $750. For more information, watch the video on the ATPN website (http://www.aptn.ca/pages/2009/flag/contest/).

Aboriginal Day celebrations are taking place across Canada. The Edmonton National Aboriginal Day Committee has scheduled several community festivals. Throughout the weekend there will be speakers and musical entertainment (most in Edmonton, but some events will be held in St. Albert). On Friday, you can enjoy a pancake breakfast at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre, and the Royal Bank of Canada will host a barbecue.

Also in Alberta at the Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump, gather for an informative hike and enjoy displays at the interpretive centre, which blends unobtrusively into an ancient sandstone cliff. Its interior is made up of five distinct levels depicting the ecology, mythology, lifestyle, and technology of the Blackfoot people. Interpretation of these themes presents the viewpoints of both Aboriginal people and European archaeological science. The short hike winds through 2K of ancient First Nations lands. Afterward, snacks will be available in the cafeteria, followed by a ten-minute re-enactment of the buffalo hunt.

For the Benoit First Nation in Port au Port Peninsula, Newfoundland, Aboriginal Day 2009 marks a special occasion: the Come Home Year. Unity among members of Mi’kmaq bands is especially important during this festival. The Come Home Year is a metaphor for the bigger community that we all share. At sunrise on June 21st, a sacred fire-lighting ceremony will take place at Degrau Harbour, followed by the raising of the Mi’kmaq Grand council flag and a smudging ceremony. Cultural arts and crafts will be on display at the French Centre in Degrau, hosted by Peter and Bernice Benoit. After a traditional lunch of fry bread and moose stew, there will a social gathering with traditional Mi’kmaq drumming and singing.

Check with local organizations to see what Aboriginal Day events are planned in your community. Be curious and explore beyond what you think you know, and you may be surprised at what you discover. No matter how you decide to celebrate, enjoy the unique beauty of our Canadian First Nations cultures and share your stories.