Aboriginal Day needs to draw more non-Natives

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There were both change and mixed reaction from the public to this year's National Aboriginal Day celebrations in Edmonton on June 20 and 21. The celebrations officially started at Canada Place and City Hall on the 20th. That night, a well-attended evening round dance at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre was also held. Other activities took place on June 21 at the Alberta Legislature Grounds for the official day.

Canada Place was an excellent venue for the Friday kick off to the specially designated day. Organizers started out the festivities on the Friday in order to catch a lot of the downtown Edmonton business crowds.

The Aboriginal honor guard procession of Native war veterans began the two hour event. Justice minister Anne McLellan also joined the celebration. Traditional dancers as well as Metis jiggers impressed the crowds of well over 500 hundred people.

The following day, as activities got under way at the Legislative grounds, only one performer didn't put on a stellar performance. Mother Nature couldn't be persuaded to co-operate for the event.

Activities were driven indoors to the corridors of the Legislature's pedway because of the damp weather, but visitors were still treated to some excellent entertainment. The Red River Wheelers and the Little Wheelers along with Metis Nation musicians and dancers provided a lively sight. Other performers such as rap dancers and the flute music of Eagle Child also provided some sunshine on an otherwise gloomy day. There was also a wonderful dash of color thanks to the fashions of Gary Oker and Laura McLoughlin.

More color was contributed by the Canadian Native Friendship Centre and Meskahnow Society. They were busy painting up the faces of small children. For the kids who preferred to paint on paper rather than skin, artist Evelyn Carter was giving pointers in a mini art class. Most of the paints were graciously donated by the Edmonton Art Gallery.

Although organizer Jane Woodward was pleased with the attendance and feedback, she said a few people felt the Pedway was too congested for them. Hopefully, this will not be a problem next year. There has been an offer from the Provincial Museum to host the celebration next year.

Canadian Heritage contributed $2,000 to assist this year's event.