On June 21 we celebrate National Aboriginal Day, a day first proclaimed in 1996 as an annual occasion to recognize the diverse cultures and outstanding contributions to Canada of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Collectively these groups make up the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. The date of June 21 was selected for several reasons, including the fact that it coincides with the summer solstice.
In 1982 the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of a National Aboriginal Solidarity Day to be celebrated on June 21. In 1995, a similar recommendation was made by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. It called for a National First Peoples Day to be designated.
Also in 1995, a national conference of Aboriginal and
non-Aboriginal people, known as The Sacred Assembly, called for a national
holiday to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal peoples to Canada.
The first National Aboriginal Day was proclaimed by the Governor General the
following year. It is now part of a series of 'Celebrate Canada' days beginning
on June 21 and followed by St-Jean Baptiste Day on June 24, Canadian
Multiculturalism Day on June 27 and Canada Day on July 1.
Following is a listing of events celebrating Aboriginal Day in Winnipeg and Brandon:
National Aboriginal Day - Winnipeg
When: Friday, June 21, 2013
Where: Indian & Métis Friendship Centre
*Free*Admission & Food
Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
45 Robinson Street, Winnipeg MB
EVERYONE WELCOME!!!
NAD activities/events:
Pony rides
Arts & Crafts
Square Dance Competition
Traditional Pow Wow
Career Fair
Square Dancing
Live entertainment
For more information contact:
Clayton Sandy
Phone: 204-945-8319
Email: clayton.sandy@gov.mb.ca
Saturday, June 22, 2013
The Forks, Winnipeg
Site
opens at 11:00 a.m. – celebrations and programming begin at 12:00 p.m.
LIVE concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Last year’s event at The Forks in Winnipeg saw over 35,000 visitors.
If you’re in or around Winnipeg, we invite you as well as your friends and family to join us for the celebration. Don’t worry about buying tickets – this event is absolutely FREE!
Events include a variety of family-friendly activities suitable for all ages. Don’t forget your lawn chair or blanket if you feel like having your own seat.
Celebratory activities include:
Artisans Village
Music and dance performances
Traditional demonstrations
LIVE art installations
Food – both traditional and non-traditional
Children’s activities
Storytelling
Competition Pow Wow brought to you by Manito Ahbee Festival
Skate Board Park & Competition brought to you by Streetz 104.7 FM
Brandon - Friday, June 21st, 2013
New Era School Grounds
527 Louise Avenue
Brandon, Manitoba
12:00-12:30 p.m. Opening Prayer/Aboriginal Day Kick Off
12:30-1:00 p.m. Sweet Medicine Singers
1:00-2:00 p.m. Hoop Dancers/Candy Scrabble
2:00-2:30 p.m. Powwow Demonstration
2:30-3:30 p.m. Square Dancers
3:30-4:30 p.m. Entertainment/Band
4:30-5:00 p.m. Book Readings by Aboriginal Authors
5:00-5:30 p.m. GRAND ENTRY
5:30-6:00 p.m. Powwow Demonstration
6:00-7:45 p.m. Entertainment/ Hoop Dancers
7:00-8:00 p.m. Band Group/ Closing and Thank You (s)
FACE PAINTING ALL DAY!
HAYRIDES 1—7 P.M.
Storytelling—Displays—Flint knapping—Artifact Display
Candy Scrabble —-Crafts—Children's Entertainment
Transportation available for seniors. Call 724-4437 to arrange for a ride.
For more Aboriginal Day information call Carrie or Laura @ 204-727-1407.