Saskatchewan celebrates National Aboriginal Day
- Jeanelle Mandes | June 11, 2014
What's going on in Prince Albert
This year, Prince Albert is celebrating National Aboriginal Day (NAD) in Kinsmen Park on June 21. It runs all day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and it's free.
Karen Cay, NAD coordinator, says they are partnering with a group in the city called "The Regional Aboriginal Peoples Circle."
They are doing two events in conjunction with this year's NAD. They are doing a walk for missing aboriginal women, and they are also having their second attempt at recreating the world's largest round dance.
This year, she says they really wanted to focus on youth and cultural teachings so all the stage performers are young and up and coming musicians. They are featuring traditional and contemporary music, Métis and First Nations music.
The band Constant Reminder from James Smith First Nations is this year's headliner along with musician, Leonard Adam and sons. There will be pow-wow dancing demonstration by the Thundering Sky Dance troupe. Matthew and John Dreaver will be hand-drumming. The Northern Lights Dancers are a jigging dance troupe from PA, who will also be there.
They will have entire children's area, games and crafts. They are also having elder cultural teachings throughout the day. They will be having a tipi setup in the morning, afternoon and late afternoon so our people can see and take part.
Cay says it's an opportunity for Prince Albert to highlight First Nation and Métis talent in the city but it's also an opportunity to amalgamate with the community.
"It's a community event; it's not an event for Aboriginals. We are really encouraging everyone to take part. We just want lots of people to come and enjoy the day," says Cay.
There will also be a free barbeque at noon put on by CUPE 4777.
What's going on in Saskatoon
This year, Saskatoon will be celebrating National Aboriginal Day (NAD) at the Friendship Park on June 21 starting at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bill Mintram, NAD Coordinator and Executive Director for Saskatoon Indian & Metis Friendship Centre, says they will be starting with a grand entry which will include dignitaries and veterans.
"Our themes this year is 'Honoring our Women.' Well be making special mention of those within missing women," he says.
They will have a drum group along with some speeches from chiefs, someone from the Métis Nations of Saskatchewan, the mayor of Saskatoon and some political representatives.
They will be providing a free meal: soup and bannock with some fruit and cake for dessert.
"We bring over 2000 servings of food to feed a lot of people: we usually have thousands of people coming to the park to celebrate. It's a family friendly event."
They will be having face painting from 12 to 2 p.m. There will be local entertainment on stage such as Krystal Pederson, the Calling Bear dancers and drum group and also some good fiddle music.
"It's also the opportunity for the idea cultural diversity to come and learn that education and awareness taking part in that Aboriginal," says Mintram.
What's going on in Regina
NAD celebrations in Regina will be held in the northwest corner of Wascana Park near the Royal Saskatchewan museum on Saturday June 21.
There will be contemporary and traditional Métis and First Nations entertainment. The highlight is the traditional pow-wow held annually. There will also have cultural demos, sporting demos, pow-wow; Métis cart construction display, as well as numerous community booths that focus on Aboriginal programming, arts and crafts and food. There's something for everyone and it's a free event.
The opening ceremonies/grand entry start at 11 a.m. and they retire flags around 5 p.m.
Organizer Orenda Yuzicapi says that NAD means the "heritage, culture and language constitutes the backbone of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada."
"A strong vibrant culture relates healthy communities and a strong people. Celebrating our connection to our culture on National Aboriginal Day strengthens our awareness, pride, knowledge and overall health. And when we share our culture, we create better education by understanding and everyone gains," she adds.