On June 22 we are having a Gathering at Cedar Grove Elementary school in Gibsons. This is a celebration of Culture in partnership with the Aboriginal Education Program and the Community School’s Aboriginal Family Gatherings’ . This will be held outside at the school. George and Terry GOULET will be doing a display and presentation on the Metis and Terry ALECK will be lending us his voice and drum. There may be other presenter’s as well. We are hoping you might find the time to join us. Meegwetch / Marcee

The time is from approx 1:00 PM until 4-4:30 PM Sat, June 22/13

National Aboriginal Day in Canada

National Aboriginal Day celebrates Canada’s Indigenous culture and the achievements made by the country’s Aboriginal peoples. Canada’s National Aboriginal Day is annually held on June 21 to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of the nation’s Aboriginal peoples. There are three Aboriginal groups in Canada – the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Background
The Canadian Constitution recognizes three groups of Aboriginal peoples: Indians (First Nations), Inuit and Métis. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

Many people have pushed for a national day to recognize and celebrate Canada’s Aboriginal peoples and cultures prior to 1996. For example, in 1982 the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for June 21 to be National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. In 1995 the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended for a National First Peoples Day to be designated. The Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal peoples.

Canada’s governor general proclaimed the first National Aboriginal Day in 1996. In cooperation with Aboriginal organizations, the Canadian government chose June 21 for National Aboriginal Day because it was on or near the June solstice. Many of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day for many generations. National Aboriginal Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the unique achievements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit in fields as diverse as agriculture, the environment, business and the arts.