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With 2005 having been declared as the Year of the Veteran, many National Aboriginal Day celebrations are being planned to include tributes to Aboriginal veterans.
The day is an occasion to celebrate the culture of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people, and the contributions they have made to Canada. It's held each year on June 21 to coincide with the summer solstice, a traditional time for Aboriginal people to rejoice in their heritage.
This year many events are planned across Saskatchewan to celebrate National Aboriginal Day.
The Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre plans to hold events in Friendship Park, located in Saskatoon along the South Saskatchewan River, on June 21.
This year's theme is "Honoring Our Aboriginal Veterans," and will include a ceremony for veterans.
Events will also include a grand entry, guest speakers, a children's essay presentation on "What National Aboriginal Day Means to Me," cultural performances and demonstrations, children's activities, crafts and a free lunch.
Contact May Henderson at 244-0174 for more detail.
The Kamsack Comprehensive Institute in Kamsack will hold a sunrise ceremony and grand entry, which will include veterans.
Other events include storytelling, the presentation of the movie Atanarjuat, The Fast Runner, teachings of the four sacred medicines, and the making of medicine wheels, dreamcatchers and drums.
Also included will be First Nation, Metis and Inuit handgames, tipi raising, a mini powwow and round dance, jigging competitions, bannock making, chokecherry crushing, a feast and prize give aways.
Contact Camilla Whitehawk at 542-2522 for more information.
Regina National Aboriginal Day Celebrations Inc. will be holding events in Wascana Park in Regina again this year on June 21.
Events include a grand entry, tipi camp, First Nation drum group and dancers, Metis fiddlers and dancers, Inuit entertainment, children's activities, sporting events, arts and crafts, traditional foods, a media challenge, community display booths, and an evening concert.
Contact Orenda Yuzicapi at 546-4006 for more information.
The Canadian Metis Heritage Corp is featuring the theme of "Celebrating our Heritage" on June 24 in the Melfort North East Leisure Centre in Melfort.
Events include jigging and traditional dance lessons, classroom presentations on Aboriginal culture, a talent show and a dry dance.
Contact Debra Edin at 752-4950 for more details.
The Saskatoon Inn is holding events on June 20. The day's schedule will include an opening prayer and morning song, smudging ceremony, and guest speakers, including veterans and representatives from First Nation, Metis, and Inuit groups. Also included are hoop dancers, lunch, and the unveiling of original artwork to be displayed at the Saskatoon Inn.
For more information contact Melanie Stroh-Vaillant at 668-9651.
The city of Prince Albert will be holding celebrations, and the theme is the "Year of the Aboriginal Woman." The event will be take place in the city hall foyer on June 21.
Celebrations include a luncheon featuring Aboriginal cuisine, a video display about Inuit culture, a Metis fiddler and dancer, a First Nation drum group and dancers, and a presentation of medals to five Aboriginal women for their contributions to their communities.
Contact Jody Boulet at 953-4391 for more information.
All Nations Hope and Aboriginal Family Services in Regina will be hosting a block party on June 21 on the street outside the building on 5th Ave. between Ray St. and Garnet St. Events will include lunch, face painting for the kids, games, entertainment and raffles.
Contact Lana Holinaty at 924-8424 for more information.
For more information, visit the National Aboriginal Day Web site at www.inac.gc.ca/nad.
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