National Aboriginal Day offered a variety of activities

Page 15

Around the province, Edmonton had one of the largest ceremonies for National Aboriginal Day, but smaller communities and even families celebrated the specially designated day in their own ways.

The Enoch First Nation hosted a golf tournament to raise money for Team Alberta athletes travelling to the Indigenous Games.

In Calgary, the city's Aboriginal awareness society organized a bannock baking competition, a Native writers' series, and a museum information session on Native artifacts. A round dance and day of prayer was also organized.

In Grande Prairie, the friendship centre put on a show-stopper of an event that drew large crowds to the northwestern part of the province.

The day started out with a traditional sacred ceremony at 8 a.m. Events through the rest of the day kicked off with the opening ceremonies at the Muskoseepi Park amphitheater.

A large crowd gathered in the park to listen to the music of recording artist Mishi Donovan. A fashion show featuring the fashions of Patricia Piche and Ellen Badger kept all eyes glued to the stage.

There were, of course, the arts and crafts displays set up, and children's activities kept the young ones smiling.

The day wrapped up with a traditional feast, a talent show and social, where Grizzly Ridge Riders with Harry Davies kept the people dancing and the spirits high.

Although it was a special day set aside for Aboriginal people, it should be like this ever day, noted federal Justice Minister Anne McLellan.