Celebrations across the country

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Vancouver

The Aboriginal Art and Culture Celebrations Society is planning fours days of festivities begin June 21, with "Aboriginal Blues at the Yale," an evening of blues music featuring George Leach, Clyde Roulette and Billy Joe Green. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets for the show are $15 each. Call (604) 684-2532 to reserve your spot. Only a limited number of tickets are available, so call early to avoid disappointment.

The society is also hosting National Aboriginal Day celebrations June 22 to 24 on the front lawn of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Traditional and contemporary Aboriginal music, dance and theatre performances and an arts and crafts trade fair are all part of the planned activities. Admission to the celebrations is free.

For more information about either event, contact Germaine Langan at the above number, or by e-mail at germaine@telus.net.

Victoria

A new sculpture by artist Chris Johnson, also known as Ice Bear, will be unveiled on National Aboriginal Day. The sculpture, "Four Winds" is located on the inner harbor walkway at the foot of Swift St. in Victoria. Contact Charronne Douglas by e-mail at icebearstudio@home.com for more information.

Edmonton

About 4,000 people are expected to take part in National Aboriginal Day events at Canada Place. The theme of this year's celebrations is Millennium Bound-Aboriginal Achievers. Exhibits will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with children's activities and a tea and bannock give-away from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities on the main stage begin at 11 a.m. and run until 1 p.m. and will include a performance by Susan Aglukark. For more information call chairperson Heather Poitras at (780) 495-4850.

More celebrations will take place from noon to midnight at Borden Park, located at 112 Ave. and 73 St. Lots of children's activities are being planned for the outdoor family event, including traditional games, and races of all kinds. A canine demonstration by city police and Elders' storytelling will take place, and the Metis travelling museum will be on site. A concert is also being planned, and participants will try to set a record for world's largest round dance.

Another Edmonton event will be a round dance and feast at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre at 11205-101 Street, beginning at 5 p.m.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Alberta

Drumming, dancing, traditional games and honored speakers will take part in National Aboriginal Day festivities at this UNESCO world heritage site. For more information call Louisa Crowshoe, special events co-ordinator at (403) 553-2731.

Regina

Wascana Park will be the site of Gathering of all Generations: Keeping Traditions Alive, National Aboriginal Day and Urban Treaty Days on June 20 and 21. First Nations, Metis and Inuit cultures will be represented during the celebrations, with powwow dancing and singing, Metis jigging, and performances by an Inuit drum group. Hoop dancing, voyager relay races, sports demonstrations and lots of entertainment are also planned. For more information, call Lisa Nidosky at (306) 780-6300.

Saskatoon

Powwow dancers, Metis jiggers, fiddle playing and break dance demonstrations are on the agenda. The celebrations will be held in Kiwanis Park starting at 1 p.m. A fashion show is also part of the afternoon schedule, with more entertainment planned for the evening. For more information, call Kim Beaudin at (306) 975-2652 or Joan Brownridge at (306) 221-8618.

Winnipeg

Aboriginal Languages of Manitoba Inc. will be holding its National Aboriginal Day activities again this year at the Forks site in Winnipeg. A sunrise ceremony, pancake breakfast, children's activities, musical entertainment, powwow dancers, a variety show and fireworks are all planned. For more information, call Tamara Brazil at (204) 983-0833, or Carol Beaulieu at (204) 989-6392.

Thompson, Manitoba

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak will hold its celebrations in Thompson to share information and raise awareness of Aoriginal culture in the north. The events planned will focus on all aspects of Aboriginal traditions including that of First Nations, Metis and Inuit people. Among the planned activities are performances by youth drum groups, dance demonstrations, arts and crafts, storytelling, fiddling, Inuit throat singers, games and a traditional feast.

For more information, call Sally Beardy at (204) 677-8038, or Tamara Brazil at (204) 983-0833.

Ottawa

A cultural showcase is being planned at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull. The day will begin with a traditional sunrise ceremony at 5:30 a.m., with a variety of activities planned for the day, including sash and basket weaving, an Aboriginal business showcase, and performances by Aboriginal entertainers. For more information call Pauline Huppie at (613) 232-3216.

The unveiling of the National Aboriginal Veterans Association War Memorial is also scheduled for National Aboriginal Day. The monument, located in Confederation Square in Ottawa, will be unveiled at noon. For more information, call Heather Levecque at (613) 563-4844.

Lebreton Flats will be the site of celebrations June 22 to 24, during the fourth annual Tagawa traditional powwow. A sunrise ceremony is planned as part of the powwow, along with cultural awareness discussions. Arts and crafts vendors will also be taking part. Call (613) 830-7720 for more information.

Montreal

The First Peoples' Festival will take place from June 11 to 21. The theme of this year's festival, now into its eleventh year, is "Stories of War, Stories of Peace." The festival includes an Aboriginal film and video festival, a concert, and an Aboriginal art exhibit.

For more information, visit the festival Web site at www.nativelynx.qc.ca.

Amherst, Nova Scotia

Workshops on traditional teaching, drumming, dancing, crafts and a feast are all planned to celebrate NAD in Amherst. For more information call NAD co-ordinator Cheryl Keats at (902) 661-6337.