UPDATE: National Aboriginal Day celebrations around the region

Jun 20, 2017 | 1:00 PM

UPDATE: Because of weather concerns, all National Aboriginal Day celebrations will move to the Art Hauser.

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The first days of summer mark national celebrations dedicated to the first peoples of Canada. 

For roughly 18 years, the Prince Albert Indian and Metis Friendship Centre has hosted National Aboriginal Day celebrations and this year will be no different. Partnering with the city of Prince Albert and local businesses, as well as the Prince Albert Grand Council, Kinsmen park will feature traditional and cultural activites along with live entertainment from local Indigenous musical acts, June 21.

At 10 a.m. a tipi will be raised, with a pipe ceremony will follow. A grand entry will take place at 2 p.m. This year, two traditional demonstrations have been added to the festivities which start at 3 p.m.

“It’s really important, especially for Indigenous youth, to learn about their culture,” Janet Carriere, the executive director of the Prince Albert Indian and Metis Friendship Centre said. “If they learn the meaning behind [sashes, drums and dances] it will instill a sense of pride in them.”

Representatives from the Mann Art Gallery will be on hand to provide education about traditional Metis sashes and the weaving techniques to make them.

Greg Charles and his wife, from the trappers association, will demonstrate traditional trapping methods. Quinton Tootoosis, a powwow dancer, will demonstrate and speak on either a traditional grass dance, or the chicken dance. He will also bring two jingle dress dancers.

A free community burger barbeque will begin at 5 p.m., with celebrations concluding at 8 p.m.

Nipawin will also host National Aboriginal Day celebrations. The Oasis Community Centre will mark the day by hosting their Annual General Meeting at 1 p.m. prior to events.

There will be informational booths about Treaty, and traditional crafts. Children’s activities begin at 2 p.m., and information about bonnets, moss bags and cradle board teachings begin at 3 p.m. For food lovers, watermelon and neckbone eating contests are also scheduled.  

The day wraps up with a family dance with live entertainment from Constant Reminder at 5 p.m. at the Nipawin Legion Hall.  

 

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas