Today we celebrate National Aboriginal Day across the country, 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 the 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 the following year by then Governor General Romeo LeBlanc. 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.
June 21 celebrates the achievements of all Aboriginal peoples, including art, language, reverence for the land, Aboriginal epistemology and spirituality.
Here's how Manitobans are celebrating National Aboriginal Day across the province:
National Aboriginal Day at the Indian & Metis Friendship Centre
Career Fair, Aboriginal Idol, Aboriginal Artisan’s Market, Children Entertainers
The Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, Winnipeg
10am-4pm
All ages
Free
The Manito Ahbee Festival Aboriginal Day Celebrations at the Red River Ex
Pow Wow Grand Entry at 1pm
Shane Yellowbird, Don Amero
Concert starts at 8pm
Red River Exhibition Park, Central Park Lawn & Stage, Winnipeg
All ages
Free admission from 12pm-3pm, Paid admission after 3pm
Darren Lavallee Trio
Grand Lobby at McPhillips Station Casino, Winnipeg
12pm-4pm | 18+
Free
The Aboriginal Express with host Ray St. Germain
Featuring The Clint Dutiaume Band, Summer Bear Dance Troupe, Norman Chief Memorial Square Dancers and Inuit Throat Singers
Mainstage at the McPhillips Station Casino, Winnipeg
8pm-10pm | 18+
Free
www.casinosofwinnipeg.com for more information on limited reserved show ticket
Joe Maxim Band
Red Barn Stage at the Red River Exhibition Park, Winnipeg
Set times: 4pm, 545pm, 730pm
All ages
Paid admission to the Red River Ex
Holly Vee
Red Barn Stage at the Red River Exhibition Park, Winnipeg
830pm-1130pm
All ages
Paid admission to the Red River Ex
The Drums are Calling!" Aboriginal Solidarity Day Pow Wow
Storytellers, childrens area, dance specials, and more
Odena Circle, The Forks, Winnipeg
Pipe ceremony at 7am, Grand Entry at 1pm, Supper break at 5pm, 2nd Grand Entry at 7pm
All ages
Free
National Aboriginal Day in Thompson
Live music, traditional games, and a feast
Square Dancing Competition produced by MKO (10am-5pm)
Mclean Park, Thompson
9am-1130pm | All Ages
Free
MMF Celebrates Aboriginal Day
Lionel Desjarlais, Prairie Men Band, Patty Kusturuk, Alex Lamoureux, Joe Smith, Dianna Desjardins, Northern Lights Band, Cal Richards, and back-up band Al Desjarlais, Tom Dutiaume, Jim Dutiaume, Don Ranville, Jim Flett
Selkirk Park
9am | All Ages
Free