Celebrate Canada is an eleven-day celebration which takes place from June 21 to July 1.
“We are justly proud of the nation we have built together over the last 143 years. Since the earliest days of our nation’s history, Canada has been a land of promise. We have built a society that celebrates achievement and excellence while, at the same time, maintaining a strong respect for human rights. Our participation in Celebrate Canada activities brings us together, strengthens our communities and helps us to understand the significance of the citizenship we all share.”
June 21st kick starts the following 11 days of Celebrate Canada which includes National Aboriginal Day (June 21), Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and concludes with Canada Day (July 1)!
National Aboriginal Day: June 21 – Share in the Celebration!
On June 21st, you are invited to participate in the many National Aboriginal Day events that will be taking place from coast to coast to coast.
National Aboriginal Day recognizes the important contributions that Aboriginal people, their cultures and traditions have made, and continue to make, to Ontario and Canada.
Find suggested events to help you celebrate this special day, either on your own, with family and friends, or with hundreds and thousands attending events held in various locations across the country.
Calendar of Aboriginal Events in Canada – June 2011
Ontarians can participate in a variety of Aboriginal cultural events and learn about the rich heritage of First Nations, Inuit and Métis this upcoming June 21, 2011, on summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
Did you know the following facts about Ontario’s Aboriginal people?
- Ontario has three groups of Aboriginal people: First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
- More than one in five Aboriginal people in Canada live in Ontario – making Ontario home to the largest Aboriginal population in the country.
- Ontario is home to almost 300,000 Aboriginal people.
- June is also National Aboriginal History Month.
- The Medicine Wheel represents traditional teachings and a way of living that is still a cornerstone of First Nations cultures in North America today. It is a circle divided into four coloured sections, red, yellow, white and a dark colour such as blue or black.
Events and activities are being held across the province throughout June, including:
- Native Canadian Centre of Toronto’s Aboriginal History Month Celebration Event at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto on June 21
- National Aboriginal Day with David Suzuki at Pic Mobert First Nation near White River on June 21
- The CN Tower will be lit in the colours of the traditional Medicine Wheel on June 21 at 9 p.m.
The City of Toronto celebrates its 17th annual National Aboriginal Day on June 21.
Here is a schedule of Toronto Aboriginal City Celebration Events:
June 21
5:30 a.m. Sunrise Ceremony and Flag Raising
City Hall Podium roof,
100 Queen St. W.
June 21
10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Native Canadian Centre of Toronto celebrates Aboriginal History Month
Yonge Dundas Square, Featuring Crystal Shawanda, Inuit Throat Singers
June 25
Grand Entry at noon – Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow
Wells Hill Park (east of Bathurst and St. Clair)
Host Drum Chippewa Travellers
Happy National Aboriginal Day!
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24)
Saint Jean Baptiste Day is also known as “la Saint-Jean”, “St John the Baptist Day”, “Fête nationale du Québec”, “Quebec’s National Holiday” and Franco-Fête.
The Fête national du Québec is an event that is the national pride of every Quebecer.
On June 23 and 24, more than 700 festival sites come to life in every region of the province.
Three national shows are given, in Gatineau and in the city of Québec on June 23 and in Montréal on June 24.
Regionally, 23 events are organized, including huge shows that feature local and renowned Quebec musicians.
Since 1984, the Quebec government has charged the Mouvement national des Québécoises et Québécois (MNQ) with organizing the Fête nationale.
Thus, the MNQ oversees local, regional and national Fête nationale du Québec events.
Every year, “the MNQ takes its task to heart, bringing Quebecers from every region and background together, with themes that appeal to all.”
| Fête nationale du Québec
June 23 and 24, 2011 |
| Event location: across Quebec. |
| Montréal (city of) (Qc), Canada |
| H2K 3P1 |
| Call 1 514 527-9891 |
Several invited guests will highlight Québec’s unique style of music and song on an outdoor stage. A great show to celebrate the province’s national day, admission is FREE for all the population. There will even be a bonfire at the end of the day!
At Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada this month’s major festival is Franco-Fête (June 24-26), the annual weekend celebration of all things francophone.
As one of the most important French language events in Ontario, Franco-Fête celebrates francophone culture with food, art, and “la musique francophone.”
This year also includes a spotlight on France. For further information, please visit franco-fete.ca.
A handful of FREE family-friendly events are sure to have you laughing, singing and enjoying great food as follows:
- enjoy the side-splitting comedy of Canada’s magic champion, Éric Leclerc (aka Mystéric), during his Mathémagic Show;
- venture out on a musical journey of opera and junk food with La Diva Malbouffa, and
- be transformed into a work of art by Kromatik, a phenomenal team of professional makeup artists from Quebec City!
Please click on the following event days for the complete schedule of events to celebrate Franco-Fête (most of these Franco-Fête events are FREE):
Also, Franco-Fête presents FREE “FLY AWAY WITH WESTJET” contest.
Enter to win 2 TICKETS for anywhere WestJet flies!
To participate is simple and free!
Please click on the following choices for the four ways to enter the Franco-Fête’s FREE “FLY AWAY WITH WESTJET” contest in:
Please note that:
- you have until June 30th to enter;
- the draw will happen on July 6th: 18 years or older.
Please click on the following choices for full Franco-Fête contest:
Bonne Fête: Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day!
Canadian Multiculturalism Day
The Government of Canada, by Royal Proclamation, designated June 27 of each year as Canadian Multiculturalism Day.
Canadian Multiculturalism Day is an opportunity to celebrate our diversity and our commitment to democracy, equality and mutual respect and to appreciate the contributions of the various multicultural groups and communities to Canadian society.
Take part in the events and discover the wealth of Canada’s diversity.
Happy Canadian Multiculturalism Day!
Celebrate Canada’s 144th birthday
On July 1, 2011, join us in Ottawa–Gatineau to celebrate Canada’s 144th birthday! Canada’s Capital Region buzzes with activity, as Canadians from across the country flock to the Capital to show their national pride.
Come celebrate Canada Day in the Capital and:
- greet Their Royal Highnesses, Prince William and Catherine, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge! The royal couple will celebrate Canada Day on Parliament Hill during their first overseas trip as a married couple;
- enjoy the performances of featured artists;
-
Chicken Corner — Home of the 19th Annual Great Canadian Chicken BBQ* 10 am to 5 pm. “Try our new chicken sandwich recipe, or dig into our refreshing chicken Caesar salad! Remember, proceeds from your chicken purchase support the Ottawa Food Bank! *While quantities last.”
Hosted by Chicken Farmers of Canada;
- Canada’s Biggest Barbecue Event On Sparks Street (between Metcalfe and O’Connor) 10 am to 4 pm. The President’s Choice® team invites you to Canada’s Biggest Barbecue Event, as their summer convoy makes its final stop on Sparks Street to dish out great food and fun. Then, be sure to catch the spectacular President’s Choice® Canada Day Fireworks, as the grand finale to an unforgettable holiday celebration!
Please click here for Ottawa street closures on July 1.
Toronto residents and visitors are invited to celebrate Canada’s 144th birthday at Mel Lastman Square in Toronto, Ontario on Friday, July 1 – Canada Day. Canada Day is supported in part by Canadian Heritage.
A mix of music and spectacular fireworks will fill the square from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Here is the schedule of exciting events:
8:00 pm O Canada
- Toronto native Ray Robinson will open with a performance of the Canadian National anthem.
8:05 pm Ray Robinson
- A live concert showcasing Ray Robinson’s unique blend of soul, gospel and R&B.
- This Canadian Urban Music Award winner and Juno Award nominee has been recognized for his solo work and collaborations that have garnered multiple awards.
9:15 pm King Sunshine
- Toronto-based nine-piece powerhouse King Sunshine has perfected the elements that move a crowd, turning out explosive melodies by blending disco, house, funk and dance.
- The band’s music features keyboard, percussion, bass, guitar and vocals.
10:15 pm Spectacular fireworks
- The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks choreographed to music.
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HD video of Canada Day 2011 fireworks display that took place at Mel Lastman Square. Embed the video from http://vimeo.com/25948102