Celebrate across the country

Guide Page 5

For many years Aboriginal people have celebrated the summer solstice on June 21 and in 1996, former governor General, Romeo Leblanc, officially declared it National Aboriginal Day.

This declaration has given thousands of people a chance to showcase the cultures of Inuit, First Nations and Metis people across the country and recognize the contributions that the first inhabitants of Canada have made.

The First Peoples Festival in Montreal begins on June 10 and will run until National Aboriginal Day. Films, workshops and presentations from Aboriginal artists and crafts people, musicians, and dancer will be featured. In nearby Hull, Que., a wide range of activities is planned at the Museum of Civilization on June 21.

The celebration will begin with a sunrise ceremony on the grounds and will end with a gala featuring First Nations entertainers. The line-up of activities throughout the day includes demonstrations by Aboriginal artisans on beadwork, weaving, and canoe-making. Dancers and drum groups, Voyageur canoe rides, and a lunch time outdoor concert with entertainment provided by First Nations Blues singer George Leach, Metis singer Sandy Scofield, and Inuit singer Lucie Idlout is also scheduled.

In Winnipeg, the group Aboriginal Languages of Manitoba for National Aboriginal Day will hold celebrations at the Forks. Activities planned include a sunrise ceremony, a pancake breakfast, children's activities, entertainment, dances, a variety show and fireworks.

In Dauphin, Man. events include activities for children, a powwow, arts and crafts displays, guest speakers and a traditional feast.

If you are in Thompson, Man., take in dance demonstrations, arts and crafts, storytelling, singers, games and a traditional feast .

In Regina's Wascana Park, the celebration will include a grand entry, urban treaty payments, children's entertainment, traditional dancers and demonstrations of games derived from Aboriginal cultures. A tipi camp, a beadwork display, hide scraping, a storytelling circle and pottery-making demonstrations are all a part of the day's celebrations.

Celebrations begin in Edmonton on June 18 and run to June 21. On the agenda is a variety of entertainment, games and storytelling. A round dance and feast will take place at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre.

Calgary will celebrate Native Awareness Week, which begins on June 17 and runs to June 21. The theme for the celebration "Year of the Mountain" will highlight the mountains as sacred places for Native people. Theatre, dance, music, and fashion are all a part of the fun.

Vancouver will be a happening place with storytellers, Indigenous performers, and Aboriginal culinary artists showcased at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

The friendship centre in Victoria is co-ordinating a number of activities at Thunderbird Park. Events include carving demonstrations, children's activities, guided tours of the park and traditional dances and music.

Check out your local friendship centre for a list of events in your area.