Saskatchewan celebrates National Aboriginal Day

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June 21 marks the seventh anniversary of Canada's National Aboriginal Day.

The work toward having a day dedicated to recognizing Canada's Aboriginal people began in 1982, when the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) started a campaign to have the summer solstice recognized as National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. However, it wasn't until 14 years later that Governor General Romeo LaBlanc officially declared June 21 as National Aboriginal Day.

National Aboriginal Day events and activities across the province, and the country, provide Aboriginal people, and all Canadians, with an opportunity to celebrate the contributions Aboriginal, Inuit and Metis people have made to Canada in the past, and in the present.

This year's National Aboriginal Day celebrations across Saskatchewan promise to be as varied and exciting as in previous years. From powwows to golf tournaments, there's something happening for everyone.

Sharing Traditions is the theme of National Aboriginal Day celebrations planned for Wascana Park in Regina. First Nations and Metis entertainment are on the schedule of events, along with Inuit games, cultural demonstrations, sports demonstrations, and children's activities. Urban Treaty Day payments will also be handed out during the festivities, which will wrap up with a concert and fireworks in the evening. For more information about the celebrations at Wascana Park, call Orenda Yuzicapi at 546-4006.

Kiwanis Park in Saskatoon will also be the site of National Aboriginal Day festivities, where Honoring our Heroes will be the theme for the day. First Nations powwow and hoop dancers, singers and drummers will perform, and a First Nations fashion show will be held. Participants will also have a chance to enjoy performances by Metis fiddlers, square dancers, jiggers and singers, as well as Inuit storytelling. For more information about the National Aboriginal Day activities planned for Kiwanis Park, call May Henderson at the Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre at 244-0174.

If a drive in the country is more what your looking for, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is also playing host to National Aboriginal Day celebrations this year. Celebrating Traditions is the theme for the event, which will feature First Nations powwow dancers, singers, drummers and storytellers, the setting up of a tipi, and arts and crafts. Metis jiggers, and storytelling are also on the agenda, along with Inuit throat singing demonstrations. A round dance is also planned.

The Renaissance Gaiety Theatre Project in Gravelbourg is also taking part in National Aboriginal Day, hosting an art display and international food and music festival with an emphasis on Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit music and story telling. For more information about the event, call Monica Coneys at 648-2302.

Queen Mary school in Prince Albert is also getting into the act again this year, marking the fifth year the school has celebrated National Aboriginal Day. Students will have a chance to watch powwow dancers perform, listen to guest speakers, and enjoy some traditional food.

Residents at Paul Dojack Youth Centre in Regina will also be celebrating National Aboriginal Day, although those celebrations will go a day early, on June 20. A tipi village, sweat lodges, pipe ceremonies, powwow dancers, and Metis fiddlers and dancers are all scheduled to perform, followed by a traditional feast.

Poundmaker First Nation will be celebrating National Aboriginal Day this year by hosting Poundmaker Powwow 2002, set to run from June 21 to 23.

In addition to the more traditional celebrations, golf tournaments are sure to be a favorite in this year's line up for National Aboriginal Day. Yorkton Tribal Council is putting on its 12th annual Friendly Golf Tournament at York Lake Golf and Country Club on June 20, while Meadow Lake Tribal Council will host its Sports and Youth

Fundraiser Golf Tournament at the Meadow Lake Golf Club on June 21.

Fo more information about celebrations in your community, check out the National Aboriginal Day listing on the Indian and Northern Affairs Web site at www.inac.gc.ca.