You’re Invited: National Aboriginal Day Celebratory Events in Ontario June 20 – 23, 2013

This video presents “National Aboriginal Day in Kingston // Limelight 2013”:

  • Featuring Digging Roots

June is National Aboriginal History Month in Ontario to “recognize the enormous contribution that First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples have made to Canada.”

Also, June 21 is National Aboriginal Day:

  • June 21st was chosen as National Aboriginal Day because it is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year
  • Aboriginal peoples in Canada have celebrated their diverse cultures, heritage, and outstanding achievements on or near this day

    • There are three distinct groups of Aboriginal Peoples in Ontario: First Nations, Inuit and Métis

    • Ontario is home to more than 300,000 Aboriginal people

      • Over half live in towns and cities across the province

This is an update to my previous blogs:

Here are more events to celebrate Aboriginal Peoples and Culture in Ontario, Canada:

The National Aboriginal Day Thunder Bay

FREE Admission

June 20 – 21

Prince Arthur’s Landing (Marina Park)
Thunder Bay, Ontario

  • Sunrise ceremony

Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival

JUNE 21 – 23

Everyone Welcome!! FREE Admission For ALL Events & Programming

Donations Gratefully Accepted

Vincent Massey Park, Ottawa, Ontario

  • Experience and celebrate the diverse Aboriginal cultures of the National Capital Region
  • Lively and interactive programming will keep your family entertained throughout the day including extensive FREE Family activities:
    • Pony rides
    • Petting zoo
    • Giant bungee trampoline
    • Body zorbs
    • Bouncy castles and more!!
    • Aboriginal artisan village featuring Algonquin, Metis & Inuit artists with interactive arts workshops, demonstrations and many great vendors
    • The popular Main Stage featuring:
      • Murray Porter
      • Andy Mason Band
      • Holly McNarland
      • Lucie Idlout
      • Joanne Shenandoah
      • Aboriginal Canada We’ve Got Talent! Contest with $15,000 in cash prizes
      • Ongoing cultural showcases throughout the day

  • International Competition PowWow

    • With over $65,000 in prizes

    • The Host Drum is the Young Bear Singers who will attract some of the best dancers and singers from all across Turtle Island (North America)

      • “Bring a lawn chair and watch the dancers, from the tiniest tots to their most respected elders, compete for over $65,000 in prizes!”

      • Throughout the weekend there will be timed competition specials for dancers of all ages

    • Talented dancers of all ages “carry on the traditions of their ancestors with ancient dance styles and celebrate the contemporary Native culture with spectacular colour and movement“

    • Please click here for more info and the schedule of International Competition PowWow 2013

National Aboriginal Day Timmins

FREE Admission

June 21

Hollinger Park, Timmins, Ontario

  • Traditional drumming and dance performances

This silent video presents “Ontario celebrates National Aboriginal Day”:

  • The CN Tower lights up “in the colours of the traditional Medecine Wheel which represents traditional living and a cornerstone of First Nations cultures in North America today“

Both Niagara Falls and the CN Tower (Toronto) will be lit in the colours of the traditional Medicine Wheel at 9 p.m on June 21, 2013

Furthermore, you can share your favourite memories of Aboriginal experiences and destinations by entering Ontario’s new online photography contest:

Please click here for more info about various Aboriginal cultural events in Ontario.

Enjoy! / Amusez-vous!

NEWS RELEASE

Photography Contest Launches on National Aboriginal Day

Ontario Government Celebrates First Nation, Inuit and Métis Culture

June 19, 2013 1:00 p.m.

Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs

Steep yourself in time-honoured traditions on June 21, National Aboriginal Day.

This year, explore the rich culture of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Ontario. You can share your favourite memories of Aboriginal experiences and destinations by entering a new online photography contest.

There will be many great photography opportunities taking place on June 21 at National Aboriginal Day celebrations across Ontario, including:

Visit facebook.com/ontariotravel to enter the contest and ontariotravel.net/aboriginal for more ways to see and experience Aboriginal traditions and history across the province.

Celebrating the culture and traditions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Ontario is part of the government’s efforts to build vibrant communities and a fair society.

Quick Facts

  • Every year on June 21, National Aboriginal Day celebrates the diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.
  • There are three distinct groups of Aboriginal Peoples in Ontario: First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
  • Ontario is home to more than 300,000 Aboriginal people. Over half live in towns and cities across the province.

Quotes

“On National Aboriginal Day, families across the province will celebrate through music, dance, stories, food and more. The Ontario government is proud to honour the historic and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal Peoples to our province.”
David Zimmer
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

“Taking part in the events celebrating National Aboriginal Day is a fantastic way to experience the rich culture of Aboriginal communities in Ontario. Historic sites such as Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay provide a depiction of one of the largest fur trade companies over 200 years ago, while Sainte-Marie among the Hurons allows you to step back to the 17th century during a time when the Huron-Wendat people lived alongside the French Jesuit missionaries. This summer, explore the province and discover more about the history, culture and time-honoured traditions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Ontario.”
Michael Chan
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

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