Saskatchewan celebrates National Aboriginal Day

Page 12

With this year's summer solstice fast approaching, communities across Saskatchewan are getting ready to celebrate National Aboriginal Day.

Since 1996, when Governor General Romeo LeBlanc officially announced that June 21 would be set aside to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal people, all Canadians have had the opportunity to experience Aboriginal culture at its finest. This date in June, coinciding with the longest day of the year, gives First Nation, Metis and Inuit people a chance to share their hospitality and showcase their skills.

In Regina, a grand entry will kick off the opening ceremony at noon in Wascana Park.

Demonstrations of Aboriginal sports, including lacrosse and Inuit traditional sports, will be part of the afternoon's scheduled events.

Other attractions, such as a tipi camp, pottery making, a bow and arrow display, hide scraping and Red River cart making are all guaranteed to keep the crowd busy.

And for those who feel like browsing through authentic Native crafts, a number of Aboriginal artists will be displaying their work in booths on the grounds. Food venues will offer both traditional and non-traditional foods and a number of community organizations will also be setting up booths.

Also as part of Regina's National Aboriginal Day festivities, a local media team will square off against the city's board of directors in the second annual frybread contest. The tasty treats will be judged by the community Elders.

A number of entertainers will also be on hand to help Regina celebrate. Traditional First Nation and Metis dancers are scheduled to perform, and Pappa Poof, Mr. Zed, and a Native puppeteer will provide entertainment for the younger set. The festivities will continue into the evening, when Aboriginal entertainers are set to perform in the park's band shell.

Four hours west of Regina, Carry the Kettle First Nation and Nekaneet First Nation are hosting the day's events at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. At 1 p.m., the afternoon's line-up of activities will begin with an Elder's prayer blessing the celebration. Shortly after a tipi raising ceremony willbe held.

The afternoon's festivities will also include a First Nation powwow demonstration, as well as Metis heritage and dance demonstrations and Inuit culture demonstrations.

A tipi will be set up on the grounds, where Elders and park staff will share traditional stories. Children attending the celebrations will also have a chance to take part in activities including drum making, coloring, and making dream catchers. A round dance and traditional feast will round out the day's activities.

The Duck Lake Regional Interpretive Centre will begin the day's celebration with a craft, collectibles and antique sale. A lunch of buffalo stew and bannock will be served.

At 1 p.m., entertainment will begin, featuring Metis fiddlers, powwow dancers and drummers. Children's games, traditional crafts and demonstrations, and informational booths will also be part of the festivities.

For up-to-date information about National Aboriginal Day activities being planned in communities across the province, and across the country, visit Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's Web site at www.inac.gc.ca/nad.