2010
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/viewtopic.php?p=11469#p11469
- - -
2009
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/viewtopic.php?p=10192#p10192
- - -
2008
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/viewtopic.php?p=9368#p9368
- - -
2007
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/viewtopic.php?p=8295#p8295
- - - - - - -
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED ON THIS SUBJECT
JUNE 21, 2006
http://elfie.lsuc.on.ca:8080/ramgen/equ ... ay_2006.rm
A celebration and . . .
http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/culture-aboriginalday.htm
National Aboriginal Day - Ottawa. . .
http://www.nadottawa.com
News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas
Bob Kennedy, Oneida
Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org
June 21, 2006
A celebration of the summer solstice, marked by the annual gathering at The Forks in Winnipeg, to a visit by the Governor General in the Northwest Territories, this is World Prayer and Peace Day and National Aboriginal Solidarity Day - celebrating First Nations, Inuit, Metis culture and contributions to Canada - but also a time to raise awareness of issues that concern us.
Elder Alex Jacobs, members of the urban Aboriginal community, and the public gathered on the roof of Toronto City Hall for a sunrise ceremony, followed by a flag raising, including flags of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, the Metis Nation, and Nunavut.
In Kenora, Ontario an Aboriginal Day Parade of floats of First Nations, local schools and Aboriginal organizations - the theme is Reflections of Days Past, Present and Future.
Montreal is host to the 16th annual First Peoples Festival.
Innu culture will be spotlighted in Nain, Labrador, while the Mi'kmaq will shine in Summerside, Prince Edward Island with traditional dancing and singing at the Shipyard Market.
The Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia celebrates with the official opening of their heritage centre.
Food will be featured in many places, including Edmonton where you can have buffalo jerky, and of course bannock and jam. Elsewhere in Alberta, events in communities, schools and museums feature a traditional Smudging the Streets cleansing ceremony, pancake breakfasts, Aboriginal dancers and drummers, an Inuit fashion show, Metis jiggers and fiddlers, a tipi village, and an historical comedy skit-How the West Was Met.
In Regina, at Wascana Park the Red Dog Drum Group will be featured, along with a Tipi-Culture Camp, and Red River Cart Making.
At the White River First Nation in the Yukon there will be storyetlling and traditional games, including stick gambling.
In British Columbia,
http://www.mediaroom.gov.bc.ca/video/Ab ... y_2006.htm
Premier Campbell will attend the 10th anniversary celebration of National Aboriginal Day, specifically the honouring of the historic repatriation of a Haisla Nation totem pole from Sweden. Representatives from the Haisla Nation, the Ambassador of Sweden, Chiefs from the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations and representatives from the First Nations Leadership Council will participate in the ceremony on the grounds of the Vancouver Art Gallery - the scene of day long fun filled, cultural activities.
But the day is not all fun and games.
A reality check comes in many forms. Native youth who walked across the country to raise awareness of sucide prevention will bring their message to the lawn of the BC Legislature in Victoria. Nishnawbe Aski Nation youth will be in Toronto today to deliver their message to Queens Park and meet with provincial officials to present their own report on the suicide epidemic in the their 49 communities in northwestern Ontario.
In Ottawa, politicians can take a break from their rhetoric and enjoy Aboriginal talent being showcased at a music concert on Victoria Island.
One of the highlights of the day in Nova Scotia was the official opening of the Mi'kmaq's "Glooscap Heritage Centre". . .
http://www.glooscapheritagecentre.com
- - - - - - -
Save Culture! Save Lives!
National Aboriginal Day Message from Nishnawbe Aski Nation youth. . .
viewtopic.php?p=7111#7111
- - - - - - -
A Celebration of Life!
Aboriginal youth who walked across Canada to raise awareness of suicide prevention will arrive June 21st at BC Legislature in Victoria . . .
viewtopic.php?t=4406
- - - - - - -
Toronto City Councillor Jane Pitfield will join Elder Alex Jacobs, members of the Aboriginal community, and the public in a sunrise ceremony followed by a flag raising to mark National Aboriginal Day.
Wednesday, June 21
5:30 a.m.
Podium Roof, City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.
Flags to be raised include those of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, the Métis Nation, and Nunavut, the first aboriginal Territory in Canada.
- - - - - - -
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy will attend a news conference where a group of four walkers from Kitchnuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) will arrive at the Ontario Legislature as they conclude their over 2000 km walking journey raising awareness of land protection issues and the $10 billion lawsuit against the James Bay Treaty 9 community by Platinex mining company.
Wednesday June 21, 2006
10:30 a.m.
Media Studio, 1st Floor - West Entrance Ontario Legislature Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario
Mark T. Anderson, Darryl Sainnawap, Wallace Mosquito, and Dylan Morris
along with supporters from Kitchnuhmaykoosib I ninuwug (KI) and Toronto area will begin their last leg to Queen's Park outside Upper Canada College 8:30 a.m. June 21, 2006.
The group of walkers - all from KI - are hoping to raise awareness of the
failure of the Government of Ontario to update the Mining Act to include
recent Supreme Court rulings, including Mikisew (November 2005), that resulted in a $10 billion lawsuit against KI for protecting traditional territory
during a peaceful protest that stopped Platinex mining late February 2006.
Despite a community declared moratorium on resource development since 1998 and Supreme Court rulings to consult and accommodate, Platinex received permission from the Government of Ontario to start drilling February 2006. The walkers left Pickle Lake, ON Tuesday May 9, 2006.
- - - - - - -
The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network has special programming all day Wednesday, starting with the 2006 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, 12:30 p.m. http://www.aptn.ca
- - -
National Aboriginal Day is a time for Inuit, Metis, and First Nations peoples to express their deep pride in their heritage and achievements, past and present.
BACKGROUND http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/cul ... nalday.htm
- - -
Perspective
It also is a day for building bridges between Aboriginal Peoples and the general population . . .
http://www.cochranetimes.com/story.php?id=236116
- - -
MONTREAL
16th Edition of the First People's Festival
http://www.nativelynx.qc.ca/06/en/
THE OFFICIAL CEREMONY ON JUNE 21, 2006 NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY, will take place at the Tiotake site (Émilie-Gamelin Park) at 11:00 a.m., with representatives of the city of Montreal, of the Provincial and Federal governments as well as spokespersons from the First Nations; in the presence of Ms Celinda Sosa, Minister for Economic Development, and Microenterprises, from the Republic of Bolivia.
Women in the North and in the South
Celinda Sosa
On June 21, 2006, Montreal will welcome a prominent Aboriginal woman whose life story embodies the extraordinary hopes fostered by the current movement for First Peoples' affirmation, as the political landscape in Andean countries changes before our eyes. The visit of Celinda Sosa, Bolivian Minister of Economic Development, will be an opportunity to look into the consequences of this sea change in terms of social, cultural and identitarian developments among Aboriginal peoples in the Andean cordillera.
Celinda Sosa, born on October 13, 1963 in the Comunidad de Yesera (Cercado), was a leader of la Federación de Mujeres Campesinas Bartolina Sisa, a leading peasant women's organization. She is among the four women chosen as a minister in the Morales government and, as such, is one of the signatories of the decree nationalizing hydrocarbons.
As a woman, as a Quechua Aboriginal, as a representative of the people in Bolivia who have traditionally been left outside the system, Celinda Sosa is coming here to ensure the solidarity and support of the First Nations and of the Canadian and Quebec people for the building of a more just and egalitarian society.
June 21, 2006 will also see the official launch of the new, revised and expanded edition of an information kit for Aboriginal women of the Americas. This kit is a tool enabling aboriginal women to share their struggles. A new informational guide to the consequences of Law C-31 has been inserted in the information kit that will be distributed throughout the Americas, thereby strengthening links now being developed between women in the North and in the South. This is a joint project of Quebec Native Women, Rights and Democracy and the Enlace network.
- - - - - - -
ONTARIO
June 21, 2006
National Aboriginal Day
(National Capital Region)
On June 21, 2006, National Aboriginal Day will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the official declaration of a holiday in recognition of Aboriginal people across Canada.
We invite everyone to join in the celebration with a number of special events planned across the National Capital Region. Students can participate in a free educational day at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
Everyone is invited to join in the Community Celebration and Music Concert featuring the best of Aboriginal talent across Canada held on Victoria Island or participate in one of our communities special events across the region including traditional Pow Wows, Campfire events and more.
Pauline Huppie Parsons,
Metis National Council, 2006 Host Organization
350 Sparks St. Suite 201
Ottawa, ON
K1R 7S8
Tel: (613) 232-3216
Fax: (613) 232-4262
OTTAWA, June 21, 2006
As part of the National Aboriginal Day Celebrations, The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and The Honourable Gregory Francis Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs will be in attendance with Prime Minister Stephen Harper to lay a wreath at the Aboriginal Veterans Memorial Ceremony. The Aboriginal Veterans Memorial Ceremony recognizes the outstanding contributions of Aboriginal Canadians who served in Canada's military. More than 7,000 First Nations, Inuit and Metis people are estimated to have served in the Canadian armed forces during the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War.
Confederation Park
Laurier St. And Elgin St.,
Ottawa, Ontario
Wednesday, June 21st
3:30 p.m. Eastern Time
- - - - - - -
TORONTO
The City of Toronto, its Aboriginal Employees' Association and their partners are hosting the twelfth annual National Aboriginal Day City Celebration with activities from June 12 through June 21, 2006.
All events are free of charge.
"This week's events celebrate the creative aspects of urban Aboriginal
life," said Mayor David Miller. "This is also an important opportunity to show appreciation for the many contributions our Aboriginal community makes to Toronto's cultural fabric."
Councillor Jane Pitfield, chair of the Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee said, "Toronto is proud to be the city of the largest Aboriginal population in Canada. Although we are rich with diversity, it is important at this time to recognize the history and prominence of our first people. This is indeed a celebration that we all look forward to."
The official opening of the Neekawnisidok fine art exhibit in the Rotunda
of City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., will take place on Monday, June 12 at 6 p.m. Red Spirit will help celebrate the opening with traditional singing and
drumming. Curated by the Association of Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts, the exhibit will continue until June 23.
Nathan Phillips Square will be the site for traditional Aboriginal music,
food and traditional hand-made art and crafts on Thursday, June 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. This event is co-sponsored by Scotiabank and the Law Society of Upper Canada. Digging Roots, an Aboriginal jazz/folk group, and Paul Chaput, a Canadian Aboriginal Award nominee, will perform.
On Wednesday, June 21, at 5:30 a.m., members of the public can celebrate the summer solstice and National Aboriginal Day with a sunrise ceremony and flag-raising on the City Hall Podium Roof. The Buffalo Jump Peace and Unity parade, from Nathan Phillips Square to Trinity Bellwoods Park will begin at 9 a.m. Everyone is invited to participate in a picnic, and enjoy music and story-telling.
Toronto Sunrise Ceremony / Flag Raising celebrate National Aboriginal Day
honour World Peace & Prayer Day
MEET AT TORONTO CITY HALL,
(south-west corner green space – look for statue of Winston Churchill.)
Carrying the SACRED HOOP, we will walk west on Queen St. to Trinity-Bellwoods Park
11 am WELCOME CIRCLE – THE LIVING MEDICINE WHEEL
12 pm SHARING CIRCLES
YELLOW CIRCLE - Family crafts for all ages, Information tables, craft vendors, food,
RED CIRCLE - The Sacred Fire, Elders and traditional teachers
BLACK & WHITE CIRCLES – storytelling, drumming, fiddling, singing, dancing from the four directions
4 pm CLOSING THE CIRCLES with Elders and singers.
- - - - - - -
The Buffalo Jump Artists’ Collective presents: The 8th annual
Buffalo Jump! Unity Festival celebrating NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY
honouring WORLD PEACE AND PRAYER DAY
Schedule of Events – Wednesday, June 21, 2006
NO ENTRANCE FEE - - ALL EVENTS FREE
Who is Welcome? All ages, all cultures, all religions, all people of Mother Earth
9 am PEACE & UNITY WALK - meet at Toronto City Hall, carrying the Sacred Hoop, walk to Trinity-Bellwoods Park (8 blocks west of Bathurst). The Sacred Hoop is accompanied by the Spirit Wind Singers. The Walk features the giant indigenous animal puppets of Red Pepper Spectacle Arts and the Red, White Yellow and Black Unity Buffalos. (time of arrival at Trinity-Bellwoods is approximately 10:30 to 10:45 am)
10:30 am Trinity-Bellwoods Park - Everyone steps through the Sacred Hoop, at the top of the hill and continues into the dell to form The Living Medicine Wheel.
11:00 am WELCOME CIRCLE – THE LIVING MEDICINE WHEEL
In honour of World Peace and Prayer Day, we join a global movement to surround Mother Earth with prayers for all our relations as we unite, all nations, all faiths, one prayer - - PEACE. Red Spirit Drum with Steve Teekens and traditional dancers.
11:40 –12 noon Shadowland Theatre presents “First the Animals”
12 noon UNITY FESTIVAL - SHARING CIRCLES
YELLOW CIRCLE – FAMILY CRAFTS noon – 3:00 pm
- INFORMATION TABLES, noon – 3:45 pm
- VISUAL ARTISTS exhibit & sales, noon
-CRAFT VENDORS, noon – 3:45 pm
- FOOD VENDOR, noon – 3:00 pm
RED CIRCLE - TRADITIONAL TEACHING & STORYTELLING - noon – 4 pm
Around the Sacred Fire, with Elders Joe Paquette and Vern Harper, assisted by Scott Debassige and a Firekeeper
In the spirit of Global Unity, and representing the four directions, the Black and White Circles are dedicated to hosting entertainers and storytellers of the World.
- - - - - - -
The Hon. James K. Bartleman will mark National Aboriginal Day with a special celebration of the Lieutenant Governor's aboriginal literacy initiatives at Queen's Park on Tuesday 20 June.
His Honour will thank the Government of Ontario for supporting his initiatives on behalf of young Native people. Special guests will include government Ministers, Grand Chief Stan Beardy of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and students from four schools in the Lieutenant Governor's School Twinning Program.
The Morningstar River drummers and dancers will perform songs and dances.
Tuesday 20 June / 11:00 AM
Since 2004 Mr Bartleman has introduced four initiatives to promote literacy: the Lieutenant Governor's Book Program, School Twinning Program and Aboriginal Literacy Summer Camps, as well as Club Amick, a reading club for children who attend the camps.
In the March 2006 Budget, Ontario committed over $800,000 for the
Lieutenant Governor's 2006 Aboriginal Literacy Programs. The grant will help fund the Lieutenant Governor's Aboriginal Summer Literacy Camps set to begin in July as well as The Club Amick for Young Aboriginal Readers' Program set to begin in September. These programs help over 2,000 Aboriginal youth in 29 fly-in First Nation communities develop their
reading and writing skills.
- - - - - - -
National Aboriginal Day
June 21, 2006
WHEREAS in 1996, the government of Canada declared June 21 National Aboriginal Day, to celebrate the contribution of Aboriginal peoples to Canadian society as Canada’s first Peoples and to recognize their different cultures.
The City of Toronto is participating in the 12th annual Aboriginal City celebration which acknowledges the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal and First Nations peoples in our City, which is home to a large and diverse urban Aboriginal community.
Toronto City Council and the people of Toronto are in the forefront of efforts to establish a caring, compassionate society based on the inherent dignity of all its members by taking a leadership role aimed at eliminating discrimination and disadvantage, respecting human rights and recognizing that a fundamental strength of our community lies in our unique racial and ethno-cultural diversity.
Toronto City Council will continue its efforts to strengthen partnerships with other orders of government, local institutions, community organizations, as well as the public and private sectors, to honour and protect the rights of all Aboriginal peoples.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor David Miller, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim June 21, 2006 as “National Aboriginal Day” in the City of Toronto.
Mayor David Miller
- - - - - - -
HQ Lobby - The Toronto Police Service Celebrates National Aboriginal Day
Wednesday, 14. June 2006
Description On Wednesday June 14th, 2006, at 10:00 a.m., the Toronto Police Service in partnership with the Aboriginal Consultative Committee will be hosting the National Aboriginal Day celebration in the main lobby of Police Headquarters, 40 College Street, Toronto.
Distinguished members of the Service, along with other special guests and community members will be participating in the celebration. The event will feature traditional drumming and dancing by students from the First Nations School of Toronto, Eastview Junior Public School and the 4 Aboriginal Head Start Programs. Following the celebration, there will be light refreshments in the Grenville Lobby.
Further information can be obtained by contacting P.C. Kim Turner, Community Mobilization - Aboriginal Peacekeeping at (416) 808-7046.
- - - - - - -
June 21, 2006
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
16164 Highway 12, Midland , Ontario L4R 4K8
Share a tribute to Canada's First Nations with special on-site activities, crafts and displays. National Aboriginal Day is a time for all Canadians to celebrate the cultures and contributions to Canada of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Guests can sample historic foods or try their hand at lacrosse, a traditional sport of native peoples, while touring the reconstructed mission of Sainte Marie among the Hurons.
Web site: http://www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca
Call: 705-526-7838
- - - - - - -
Aboriginal Solidarity Day
June 21, 2006
Kenora, Ontario
Aboriginal Day Parade
3:30 pm -5:30 pm
The parade will begin and end at the Kenora Rec Centre and the route will loop around downtown Kenora. First Nations, local schools and Aboriginal organizations, are encouraged to register a float around the theme Reflections of Days Past, Present and Future.
Grand Marshall is Ogichiida Arnold Gardner and the Treaty 3 Police Service will provide escort services.
Aboriginal Talent Showcase
6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Small Tent on the Kenora Harbourfront (Rain day location - Nechee Centre)
Featuring local talent in music, song, dance, Youth Demo in breakdance, storytelling and more.
For more information call Tania Cameron (807) 467-8144 or Celina Root at (807) 468-5440.
- - - - - - -
Government of Canada: New Aboriginal Transitional Housing Facility Opens Doors in Brantford
BRANTFORD, ONTARIO - June 21, 2006
Today, dignitaries from the Government of Canada, along with Brantford Native Housing staff, guests, and community supporters celebrated National Aboriginal Day by opening a new 20-bed transitional housing facility for homeless Aboriginal people.
Through the Government of Canada's Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI) and the Urban Aboriginal Homelessness initiative (UAH), Brantford Native Housing received a previously announced total of $371,282 towards the purchase and construction costs of the transitional house and other activities. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation also provided $196,000 under the Shelter Enhancement Program.
Attending today's ceremony were William Beatty, Management Advisor Community Development, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); Ralph Summers, Chair, Brantford Aboriginal Homelessness Alliance (BAHA); and Darlene Solomon, UAH Program Director, Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres.
This partnership brings together the Government of Canada, Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC), Brantford Native Housing and the Ontario Trillium Foundation to identify service needs and gaps for individuals and families in the City of Brantford who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
"Canada's new government is proud to support this facility which will provide hundreds of Aboriginal people with safe and accessible housing, said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development."
Brantford Native Housing is a non-profit Corporation. Its main objective is to provide safe, secure, and affordable rental homes for Urban Natives living in the City of Brantford. It offers housing to Status, Non-Status, Metis and Inuit families of low income.
"It is our stand that housing and homelessness are unequivocally linked and each community must deal with it in its own unique fashion and model," said Chel Niro, General Manager of Brantford Native Housing. "It is with this in mind that the Brantford Native Housing Transitional Housing Project, also known as "Empowering the Lifegivers", will best serve and assist those on their healing path, in a safe and supportive surrounding. This focus will assist our residents in maintaining their stabilization and preparedness for a brighter future."
"In the past couple of years while working with Brantford Native Housing, we've been able to understand the inequity in terms of social needs between aboriginal and non-aboriginals and our ability to meet those needs," said Reverend Larry Brown, Chair, Community Advisory Board on Homelessness in Brantford. "There is a far greater percentage of the native population who require these services in contrast to the general public, one reason for this inequity is the legacy of the residential school program."
By working in partnership with community organizations, the private and voluntary sectors, and other levels of government, the National Homelessness Initiative is bringing all stakeholders together to develop local solutions that work to address particular needs and challenges faced by homeless people. Through this coordinated approach, the following programs are available to support communities across Canada: the SCPI, the UAH, the Regional Homelessness Fund, the National Research Program, the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System, and the Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has been Canada's national housing agency for over 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.
June 21, 2006
11:00 a.m.
58 Marlborough Street
Brantford, Ontario
Dignitaries from the Government of Canada and Brantford Native Housing are gathering on Aboriginal Day 2006 to celebrate the grand opening of an Aboriginal Transitional Housing Project in Brantford. Participants include, Ralph Summers, Chair, Brantford Aboriginal Homelessness Alliance (BAHA) and Darlene Solomon, UAHI Program Director; Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres.
- - - - - - -
READING: Drew Hayden Taylor & Dan Yashinsky
Where: Native Canadian Centre, 2nd Floor "Talking Room", 16 Spadina Road, Toronto, Ontario
When: 22 Jun 06 (6-8PM)
Please join the Toronto Public Library in welcoming Drew Hayden Taylor
and Dan Yashinsky
Drew Hayden Taylor is one of Canada’s leading Native humourists. An award-winning playwright, columnist, comedy-sketch creator, film maker and lecturer, he most recently edited Me Funny, an anthology of jokes and essays on aboriginal humour.
Dan Yashinsky is the 2006 Toronto Public Library Storyteller-in-Residence. He is the author of Suddenly They Heard Footsteps – Storytelling for the Twenty-First Century.
All are welcome.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
6 - 8 p.m.
In the “Talking Room,” Second Floor
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
16 Spadina Road, Toronto
Contact:Tara Stadius, Toronto Public Library Branch Head - tstadius@torontopubliclibrary.ca - tel:416-393-7667 - fax:416-393-7415
Free Screening of Film about Grassy Narrows and night of music
On Thursday June 22, 2006 7pm,
Forest Ethics and the Rainforest Action Network Invite you to a Free
Screening of:
As Long As the Rivers Flow: The Grassy Narrows Blockade Story,/ a film
by Dave Clement and the Thunder Bay Indie Media
Following the film, there will be guest speakers, live music with Lila
Rose & herrootz, interactive discussions and a cash bar.
Find out how you can make a difference in saving Canada's precious
Boreal Forest.
Donations will be collected to raise money for vans to Grassy for the
Earth Justice Gathering at the Grassy Narrows Blockade July 10-16, 2006.
Concord Cafe
937 Bloor St. West (west of Bloor and Ossington)
For more information contact Kim at 416-597-1904
kimf@forestethics.org
- - -
The Dominion Institute's Aboriginal Youth Writing Challenge contest winner will be announced National Aboiginal Day June 21, 2006
Aboriginal youth were invited to, "Pick a moment or period in Aboriginal history and create a fictional short story that is based on this history. The event selected should be tied to Canadian history and/or the participant’s ancestral history". http://www.our-story.ca/youthWriting.html
- - -
Aboriginals and the Canadian Military: Past, Present & Future
Date: June 21, 2006 Time: 08:00
End date: June 22, 2006
Topic: Aboriginal contributions to the Canadian military
Details: The Canadian Forces Leadership Institute is pleased to celebrate National Aboriginal Day 2006 by hosting the first conference on Aboriginal contributions to the Canadian military experience. The conference is open to all, and there is no conference fee.
Location:
Royal Military College
PO Box 17000, Station Forces
Kingston ON
Sponsors:
The Canadian Forces Leadership Institute
Contacts:
Mrs Melanie Denis, CF Leadership Institute - cda.aborig.conference.autoch@forces.gc.ca
Website:
http://www.cda-acd.forces.gc.ca/aborig_ ... home_e.asp
- - -
National Aboriginal Day at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery
Sunday June 25, 2006 1-5pm, National Aboriginal Day – afternoon of music, art and crafts organized by the Anishnabeg Outreach.
Children’s activities included! Free admission.
Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery
25 Caroline Street North
Waterloo, ON N2L 2Y5
Tel. 519.746.1882x230 Fax. 519.746.6396
http://www.canadianclayandglass.ca
- - -
Support the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Innuniwug in their fight against a SLAPP suit - Join the rally on Wednesday June 21, 2006 in Toronto.
The Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake) First Nation is being
sued for more than $10 billion by a Canadian mining company, Platinex
Inc., because they have made a stand to protect their treaty and aboriginal rights pending resolution of their legal dispute with the federal and provincial governments. Despite the community consensus against the project, the mining company attempted to proceed with mineral
exploitation but were blocked by the community. The company is now seeking a court order to proceed regardless, and claiming $10 billion in damages from this First Nation.
Platinex is also seeking an injunction restraining Kitchenuhumaykoosib
Inninuwug from "interfering with, disrupting, or hindering in any way,
directly or indirectly, the preparation or construction of a camp, the
establishment of drill sites, and any drilling or other work..." They also want to restrain KI from coming within 200 m of the Platinex camp.
KI contested the injunction and claim for damages, and is taking legal
action to challenge the constitutionality of Ontario's Mining Act, which
allows the government to grant licenses to companies without having first
met the government's legal duty to consult the First Nation.
Members of KI are also coming to Toronto by foot – more than 2,000
kilometres – in order to raise awareness and support.
The Platinex lawsuit could be viewed as an attempt to harass, intimidate
and silence KI and supporters in their fight to protect their lands.
Long-time Lubicon supporters will remember the attempt by Daishowa to
silence the Friends of the Lubicon using a similar type of legal action
-- a category of lawsuits known as "SLAPP suits" (an acronym for
"strategic lawsuits against public participation.") We won that battle
with the support of people across Canada and internationally. We should
now lend our support to the community of KI in their fight to protect
themselves and their lands.
On June 21st, lead walker Mark Anderson of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Innuniwug will be joined by other community members and supporters as he completes his amazing 2100km awareness walk from northern Ontario to Queen's Park in Toronto. The "Kitchenuhmaykoosib Awareness Walk: our land, our children our future" is intended to bring attention to the need to protect the lands, water and the environment of KI for the future and for their grandchildren.
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug invites you to join them on June 21st they
peacefully take their message to Queen's Park.
Please walk with them and stand up for their rights to protect their land.
When: 8:30 am on June 21st.
Where: the sidewalk beside Upper Canada College on Avenue Road at Lonsdale
Duration: approx. 1 hour. You can also greet them at Queen’s Park at 9:30 am
You can get more info and keep in touch with the "Kitchenuhmaykoosib
Awareness Walk: our land, our children our future" through the links below:
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake)
http://www.bigtroutlake.firstnation.ca/
- - - - - - -
The Ontario Federation of Labour encourages our affiliates and their members to learn more about the rich culture and history of Aboriginal people in Ontario by celebrating Canada's National Aboriginal Day, June 21st, 2006.
Ontario has the largest population of Aboriginal People in Canada. On this June 21st, the 700,000-members of the OFL stand in solidarity with Aboriginal Peoples and their right to fair and just treatment.
This Day was declared in 1982 by the National Indian Brotherhood, Assembly of First Nations because it is the longest day of the year and marks the changing seasons. On this day, the OFL acknowledges the significant, historical contributions of Aboriginal Peoples in our communities and in our workplaces.
The Federation and its affiliated unions will continue to lobby and advocate for justice and dignity for Aboriginal workers. We want our brothers and sisters to have equitable and fair economic opportunities, equal access and treatment as Ontarians and the right to live in affordable and safe communities.
- - - - - - -
ALBERTA
June 19, 2006
Alberta celebrates 10th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day
Edmonton... On June 21st, Alberta will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day and recognizing the unique heritage and cultures of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada.
"Alberta has been proudly celebrating and supporting National Aboriginal Day for 10 years," said Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Pearl Calahasen. "As part of celebrating Aboriginal culture, we've seen Aboriginal organizations and communities showcase traditional performers such as Aboriginal dancers, Métis jiggers, and Inuit throat singers to more contemporary Aboriginal performances such as hip hop dancing and musical bands. National Aboriginal Day offers something for everyone."
Events being held this year in communities, schools and museums feature a traditional 'Smudging the Streets' cleansing ceremony, pancake breakfasts, Aboriginal dancers and drummers, an Inuit fashion show and drummers, Métis jiggers and fiddlers, a tipi village, comedian/puppeteer and an historical comedy skit: How the West Was Met. A complete list of events is available at http://www.aand.gov.ab.ca or by contacting a local Friendship Centre, band office, or town office.
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development will also be hosting its 4th annual celebration in Edmonton at Commerce Place on June 22 at 11:45 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., where there will be demonstrations of moose hair tufting and beadwork, freshly made bannock and jam as well as buffalo jerky. This event will also have performances by Kugluktuk Drum dancers, 2D animation by Aboriginal youth and other free entertainment.
National Aboriginal Day was proclaimed in 1996 to honour the culture and contributions that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people continue to make to Canadian society. June 21 was specifically chosen because it is the longest day of the year and it also coincides with the traditional day of celebration around the summer solstice.
National Aboriginal Day Alberta events calendar
Edmonton
Date June 18-25
City of Edmonton National Aboriginal Day Weekend Festival
A showcase of Aboriginal music and dance with a First Nations tipi village, a Métis village and Inuit village. Other activities include Sacred Self Gala and Art Preview as well as the contemporary Aboriginal youth band, MEB.
Various locations including the Provincial Legislature Grounds 10800 - 97 Ave
Various times including Sat. from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Sun. from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Contact Dean Brown Information
Phone: (780) 479-1999 or deanbrown@shawbiz.ca
Norquest College June 21
Norquest College - National Aboriginal Day Celebration
Traditional dancing and drumming with Rainbow Spirit Dance Troupe, Métis Child Little Jiggers and bannock, berries, coffee and tea.
Norquest College, 10215 - 108 Street Edmonton, AB
11:00 am until 1:00 p.m.
Contact Cynthia Makokis Information Phone: (780) 644-5870
Calgary
June 18 - 24
City of Calgary Aboriginal Awareness Week - National Aboriginal Day
Father's Day run and Mini Pow-Wow, Circle of Friendship Gathering and Round Dance, free BBQ, Aboriginal fashion show, traditional, Métis and Contemporary dance by Aboriginal children and youth, a bannock cook-off, special performance by World Hoop Dancer Champion, Aboriginal comedian and the Wandering Spirit Initiation Pow-Wow.
Various locations including City Hall, Civic Plaza on Wed. and the Bowness SportPlex 7904 - 43 avenue NW on Sat.
Various times including Wed. 12:00 noon and Sat. Grand entry at 1:00 p.m.
Carrie Neilson Information
Phone: (403) 268-5149 or Carrie.Neilson@calgary.ca
Greater Alberta
Slave Lake, CJ Shurter School
June 21
Regional Council of the Métis Association of Alberta - National Aboriginal Day
Celebrate with traditional drumming, dancing, jigging, and inspirational speaker and m/c Dakota House.
Slave Lake, CJ Shurter School
10:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Phone: Fred Auger or Florence Gladue Information
(780) 849-4654 or toll free at (866) 846- 4660
Ft. McMurray
June 21
Fort McMurray Historical Society - National Aboriginal Day Celebration
Native drummers, dancers, Grand Entry Ceremony, bannock fish fry and Aboriginal demonstrations.
Fort McMurray, Heritage Park - 1 Tolen Drive
12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m.
Ivy at Heritage Park
Information Phone: (780) 791-7575 or (780) 714-6500
June 17 - 18, 2006
National Aboriginal Day Gathering and Competition Pow-wow
Peace River Aboriginal Interagency
Next to the Ski Chalet, Peace River, Alberta
CONTACT: Dennis Whitford and Laurie Hand
780-624-6460
rocky35@cablerocket.com
National Aboriginal Day Festival
June 21, 2006
THE BLACKFOOT CANADIAN CULTURAL SOCIETY
1910 CEDAR RD S
LETHBRIDGE AB, T1K 4H2
Phone: 403-327-6807
Fax: 403-327-5095
Email: blackfoot@shawbiz.ca
http://www.blackfoot.ca
National Aboriginal Day
June 21, 2006
Heritage Park
1 Tolen Drive
Fort McMurray, Alberta
Native drummers and dancers will gather together this day to celebrate the National Aboriginal Day. Lots of food, fun, entertainment, and culture sharing. Also aboriginal arts and crafts.
Cost: Adults $3.00, Students/Seniors $2.00, Child (6 and under) free. GST not included. CASH ONLY FOR THIS EVENT.
For Further Information Please Contact
Phone: 780-791-7575
Fax: 780-791-5180
June 21, 2006
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Canada Place, 9700 Jasper Ave Edmonton, Alberta
Contact: Heather Poitras (780) 495-6728
National Aboriginal Day-Barbeque
June 21, 2006
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Abbey Glen Park 102 St & Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta
Contact: Brian Hjlesvold (780) 409-7678
Thundering Spirit Song and Dance Troupe
June 21, 2006
7:00 p.m.
The Centre for Reading and the Arts, Centre Core, Stanley A. Milner Library, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton, Alberta
Contact: Amanda Larsen (780) 496-7039
June 21, 2006
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Harry Hays Building, 220-4th Ave SE Calgary, Alberta
Contact: Victoria Budd (403) 691-6460
Edmonton, Alberta week long celebrations . . .
June 20
Nellie Carlson Youth Awards 2006
City Room, City Hall
#1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
12:00 PM (noon) Start
Contact: Laura Auger at 944-7958
or email: Laura.Auger@edmonton.ca
June 21
Royal Eagles BBQ
Buffalo Burgers
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Corner of 102 Street & Jasper Avenue
Contact: Brian Hjlesvold at 409-7678
or email: brian.hjlesvold@rbc.com
June 21
Official Commemoration
Canada Place
9700 Jasper Avenue
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Government of Canada Partnership Committee
Contact: Heather Poitras at 495-6728
or email: poitrash@inac-ainc.gc.ca
June 22
Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development Celebration
Commerce Place, Rotunda
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
10155 - 102 Street
Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development Celebration
June 23
Pancake Breakfast
Canadian Native Friendship Centre
11205 – 101 Street
9:00 AM Start
Contact: Dean Brown at 479-1999
or email: deanbrown@shawbiz.ca
June 23
Smudging the Streets
Canadian Native Friendship Centre
11205 – 101 Street
9:00 AM Start
Ben Calf Robe Society
Contact: Dale Ladouceur at 477-6648
or email: dale@bcrsociety.ab.ca
June 24
Sacred Self Gala & Art Preview
Blatchfort Hangar, Fort Edmonton Park
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Contact: Jaret Sinclair-Gibson at433-3097
or email: JSG_001@yahoo.ca
June 25 – July 2
‘Sagetawin’ Sacred Self Art Show
& SMV Traditional Tipi Encampment
Blatchfort Hangar, Fort Edmonton Park
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Contact: Jaret Sinclair-Gibson at433-3097
or email: JSG_001@yahoo.ca
June 24
Day One - Weekend Festival
Legislature Grounds
12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Edmonton NAD Committee
Contact: Dean Brown at 479-1999
or email: deanbrown@shawbiz.ca
June 25
Day Two - Weekend Festival
Legislature Grounds
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Metis Child & Family Services Society
Contact: Florence Gaucher at 452-6100
or email: florencemc@metischild.com
Calgary, Alberta events . . .
June 18 - Treaty 7 Fathers Day Run & Mini Pow-Wow
Calgary Partnership Foundation and partners.
8:00 AM start
June 18 - Circle of Friendship Gathering & Round Dance
Heritage Park
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Free Admission, Free Parking,
Free Shuttle from Heritage
June 21 - CANE Harry Hays Building
220 - 4th Avenue SE. Back of Building
12:00 PM (noon) - 1:30 PM
Free BBQ, Fashion show, Drummer,
Tiny Tots, Aboriginal RCMP Officers and Cake
June 20 - Open House
Parent Link - AwooTann Family Wellness Centre
1603 -10 Avenue SW
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
June 21 - Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award Ceremony
12:00 PM (noon)
City Hall, Civic Plaza
CAUAC Youth Achievement Award,
Dancers, Entertainer and Feast
June 22 - Aboriginal Family Gathering
O.S. Geiger Elementary School
100 Castlebrook Drive NE
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
June 19 - CAAS Opening Ceremony
Olympic Plaza
June 23 - CAAAS Honouring the UN theme water is life
Bannock Cook-Off
Eu Claire Market
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
June 23 - Aboriginal Resource Centre Association
Grand Opening of Aboriginal Community Centre (ACC)
1603 - 10 Ave SW.
Phone ARC 204-0083
Official Ribbon cutting at 2:00 PM
Special Guests:
The Honourable Diane Finley,
Minister of Human Resources &
Social Development,Government of Canada,
The Honourable Pearl Calahasen,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development, Government of Alberta
The Honourable Art Johnson
MLA Calgary – Hays
June 23 - Honouring our Elders Dinner (By invitation only)
Aboriginal Resource Centre Association
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Alex Wells -World Hoop Dancer Champion,
Julie Bull -Comedian,
Red Thunder - lndigenous First Nation Peoples of Plains Indians
Maori People, & Inuit People
Dancers, Inuit Cultural Dancer Zinour Reddick
Contact Doreen Whitford-Huppie 204-0083 Ext:32
June 24 - Wandering Spirit Initiation Pow-wow
Bowness SportPlex
7904 - 43 Avenue NW
Registration for all drummers/dancer 12:00 PM
Drum Roll Call at 12:45 PM
Grand Entry at 1:00 PM
Arts & Craft tables
Contact 210-4924
Lethbridge, Alberta
National Aboriginal Day Celebrations
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Arts/culture Arts/culture Nicholas Sheran Park
Come and join in on the tipi raising, dancers, live music and more...
Contact: Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge (403) 328-2414
- - -
Celebrate National Aboriginal Day at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Fort Macleod... Visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump on Wednesday, June 21 for a full day of activities to celebrate National Aboriginal Day.
The day starts with an opening ceremony at 9:00 a.m. and includes the following events:
9:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.
Mini pow wow - Native dance demonstrations
- Women and Men traditional and fancy dance
- Men's grass and chicken dance
- Ladies jingle
- Hoop dancer
11:00 a.m.
Traditional foods demonstration
- A taste of berry soup and bannock
11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m
Music and story telling by: Olivia Tail Feathers and company
12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Puppet show: Napi and the Rock
1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
The Neo - Eccentric Theatre Company featuring: Napi the Trickster
Located 18 km northwest of Fort Macleod on Secondary Highway #785, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is one of the oldest, largest and best preserved buffalo jump sites known to exist. It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981.
- 30 -
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Quinton Crow Shoe
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
(403) 553-2731
quinton.crowshoe@gov.ab.ca
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000
- - - - - - -
SASKATCHEWAN:
June 21, 2006
NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY COMMEMORATED WITH PARTNERSHIP SIGNINGS
Two new partnership agreements signed today by Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations and the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region (RQHR), its affiliates, unions and health organizations is designed to create employment opportunities for First Nations and Métis people in the health care sector.
"I commend Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, its affiliates, unions and health organizations for signing today's Aboriginal Employment Development Program (AEDP) partnership agreement with the province," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "What a wonderful way to commemorate National Aboriginal Day by joining with our partners and striving to achieve the common vision of a representative workforce where every person has the opportunity to be a full participant in the economic and social fabric of this province."
Through the AEDP, the Saskatchewan Government strives to build a
representative workforce where First Nations and Métis people compete for jobs based on their skills and qualifications, and where they are represented at all occupational levels in proportion to their population numbers in the province.
"SAHO has played a part in 1,900 new Aboriginal hires in the health care
sector over the last 10 years," Saskatchewan Association of Health
Organizations board chair Alex Taylor said. "What better day to celebrate this achievement than National Aboriginal Day? We are pleased to move forward with this important signing, which will no doubt lead to a more representative health care workforce in Saskatchewan."
"Having the support of our partners will help us reach the goal of our
Representative Workforce Program," RQHR chairperson Murray Knuttila said. "That goal is to have the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region's workforce reflect the community and the diversity of our clients; the people we serve."
Today's signings will bring the total to 71 Aboriginal Employment Development Program Agreements signed. Partnerships have been signed with large public and private sector employers, organized labour, government departments, First Nations and Métis organizations, post-secondary institutions and community based organizations.
-30-
For More Information, Contact:
Alethea Foster
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5701
National Aboriginal Day 2006
“Celebrating 10 Years in Regina!”
Wascana Park, June 21st
Event Schedule
10AM - Midnight
OPENING CEREMONIES 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Grand Entry & Welcoming Addresses - featuring Red Dog Drum Group
DISPLAYS & ON-GOING EVENTS 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Children’s Entertainment
Highlights include a three-legged race and the teams of lawn skiing, Mr. Z and face painting.
Sports Demonstrations
Sport Coordinators will have a chance to feature their Aboriginal-based recreations (Lacrosse, and Takraw) to the public.
Cultural Demonstrations
Traditional Aboriginal displays will take place throughout the day. Events such as a Tipi-Culture Camp, Red River Cart Making and other interesting demonstrations will be present.
Arts and Crafts
Aboriginal artists will be displaying and selling their traditional and contemporary arts and crafts.
Food Vendors
Both traditional and non-traditional foods will be available for purchase.
Display Booths
Display booths will feature Community Organizations and Successful Aboriginal Businesses Trade Booths.
MEDIA CHALLENGE
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Media Teams will to participate in the Fifth Annual Media Challenge. This year’s challenge will be a Métis Jigging Contest! A panel of non-partisan judges will determine the winner.
ABORIGINAL ENTERTAINMENT 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Displays of Traditional Dance and Song will be featured in intervals throughout the afternoon:
Metis – The Riel Reelers Dancers & Fiddler
First Nation –Traditional Dancers representing all categories: Men’s Traditional, Fancy and Grass, Women’s Traditional, Fancy and Jingle Dance.
ART UNVEILING – MacKenzie Art Gallery 1:00 PM
Join us for the unveiling of the outdoor sculpture for the MacKenzie Art Gallery
ANCESTORS RISING by artist Mary Longman
Artist talk in the Shumiatcher Theatre at 1:00p.m.
Outdoor unveiling and reception to follow.
The sculptural work, Ancestors Rising, speaks to the shared history of the Wascana Park area with the First Nations and the bison.
The MacKenzie Art Gallery is located at 3475 Albert Street, Regina Saskatchewan For more information, please call Nicolle Nugent at 584-4291. Admission is free, everyone is welcome.
ROUND DANCE 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Everyone is welcome to participate in our thank-you dance before we retire the flags.
CROWHOP CAFÉ – The Exchange 9:00 PM to Midnight
Our evening will feature Saskatchewan Aboriginal Talent of all genres; performances will be held the Exchange (SCES Club), 2431 8th Ave, Regina.
Round Dance
Tuesday June 20, 2006
7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Eastview Community Centre,
615 - 6th Avenue Regina, Saskatchewan
Contact : Lesle Lajoure (306) 525-4757
June 21, 2006
10:00 a.m.
Yorkton Tribal Council Parking Lot,
21 Bradbrooke Dr.N Yorkton, Saskatchewan
Contact: Nola Mahingen (306) 782-3644
Kakiskimitotan
June 21 to 24, 2006
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Contact: Sandra Duncan (306) 931-6767
Kakiskimitotan - National Aboriginal Day Pow Wow
June 21 to 23, 2006
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park Saskatoon, SK
Contact: S.E. Duncan (306) 931-6767
June 21, 2006 All Day Event
Sakimay First Nation Grenfell, Saskatchewan
Contact: Janet Exner (Principal) (306) 697-2315
MANITOBA
FIRST NATIONS AT THE FORKS
CELEBRATIONS 2006
“Honoring Our Children”
June 18-21, 2006—Odenah Circle, The Forks
Sunday June 18, 2006
5:30 AM- Lighting the Sacred Fire, Sunrise Ceremony, Pipe Ceremony
10:00 AM- Tipi Demonstration
12:00 PM- Opening Remarks
2:00-4:00 PM- Children’s Activities
4:30- 5:30 PM- Marlow’s Magic Show
5:30-7:00 PM- Children’s Activities
7:00-9:00 PM- Powwow Demonstration
Monday June 19, 2006
5:30 AM- Sunrise Ceremony and Pipe Ceremony
5:00-6:00 PM- Language Demonstration
5:00-7:00 PM- Children’s Activities
7:00 PM- Dead Indians
Tuesday June 20, 2006
5:30 AM- Sunrise Ceremony and Pipe Ceremony
2:00-3:00 PM- Storytelling
4:00-6:00 PM- Children’s Activities
5:00-6:00 PM- Language Demonstration
6:30 PM- Sweetgrass Road Hand Drum Group
Wednesday June 21, 2006
5:30 AM- Sunrise Ceremony and Pipe Ceremony
“National Aboriginal Day at the Forks”
For More Information on First Nations at
The Forks Celebrations 2006 please contact;
Linelle Maytwayashing, Vanessa Flett, or Deidre Garson at
204-586-2163 or 204-957-8462
Hosted by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
http://www.manitobachiefs.com
- - -
Winners will be presented with their Spirit of the Earth Awards on National Aboriginal Day, June 21, 2006.
http://www.hydro.mb.ca/issues/spirit_of_the_earth.shtml
The intent of the Manitoba Hydro's Spirit of the Earth Awards is to promote environmental awareness and recognize the culture and history of Aboriginal people.
Any environmental activity planned or implemented by Aboriginal people or involving Aboriginal people in Manitoba is eligible for the Spirit of the Earth Awards program.
Alex Robertson Museum, Alonsa, and Percy and Lawrence Houle, Ebb & Flow First Nation - “Wisdom of Elders” stories.
Anthony J. Martin, Millie Flett and Michael Bridgford-Read, St. John’s High School, Winnipeg- Aboriginal Cultural Sculpture Workshop.
Caroline Bjorklund, Churchill, for sharing her culture through traditional Dene crafts, clothing and tools.
Myrtle DeMeulles, Churchill, for reviving the art form of tufting in which caribou hair is used to sculpt works of art.
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, for the establishing the Brokenhead Wetland Ecological Reserve ;protecting Manitoba native orchid species and rare plants.
Mushing Wapusk Adventures & Blue Sky Expeditions, Churchill - Dogsledding Eco-tourism Business.
MacDonald Youth Services, Thompson, for their Wilderness program.
Aboriginal Education Division of Red River College, Winnipeg - Medicine Wheel Garden.
Wapanohk Community School, Thompson - Land Based Education, Winter Festival and Transition Class.
Wellington School, Winnipeg - Project Mother Earth.
Joe A. Ross School, The Pas - Outdoor Education program.
Youth Award: R. D. Parker Collegiate Youth Aboriginal Council of Thompson - Annual Youth Aboriginal Conference.
- - - - - - -
In the Ontario Legislature, June 21, 2006
JOURNÉE NATIONALE DES AUTOCHTONES /
NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY
L'hon. David Ramsay (ministre des Ressources naturelles, ministre délégué aux Affaires autochtones): C'est aujourd'hui la Journée nationale des autochtones, et je suis très heureux de saluer, en cette importante journée, les Premières nations, les Inuit et les Métis de l'Ontario.
Today is National Aboriginal Day, and it is a pleasure for me to rise in the House and extend my best wishes to all First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples living in Ontario on this important day.
Today is a special day for me, as it is the first time I am able to rise in the House on National Aboriginal Day as the minister responsible for aboriginal affairs, and acknowledge the significant contribution that aboriginal peoples have made, and continue to make, to Ontario and to Canada.
It is important that all Ontarians recognize these contributions, particularly when we are hearing stories on a daily basis about the situation at Caledonia. Aboriginal peoples across our province have been dealing with difficult situations for centuries. The situation at Caledonia is only the most recent example.
Given these current events, it is important that we take time to reflect on the positive role that First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples play in this province.
National Aboriginal Day is a day for Ontarians to learn more about the rich culture and history of aboriginal peoples in Ontario. Aboriginal peoples have always been a diverse and vital presence in the culture and social fabric of our province. This important day provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge with gratitude the unique contributions of First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples to Ontario and to Canada.
Cultural workshops and other activities in aboriginal communities help Ontarians gain a better understanding of aboriginal peoples and cultures in Ontario.
J'encourage les Ontariens à participer aux nombreuses activités culturelles organisées par les organisations des Premières nations et des Métis partout dans la province à l'occasion de la Journée nationale des autochtones. Dans ma propre circonscription de Timiskaming-Cochrane, par exemple, un barbecue est organisé à New Liskeard à l'occasion de cette journée spéciale.
I encourage Ontarians to take part in many cultural events hosted by First Nation and Metis organizations across Ontario to celebrate National Aboriginal Day. In my own riding of Timiskaming-Cochrane, for example, an Aboriginal Day barbecue is being held in New Liskeard.
I am very pleased to tell the House that I had the pleasure of celebrating National Aboriginal Day yesterday with the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable James K. Bartleman. It was an event to highlight the Lieutenant Governor's aboriginal summer literacy camps. In addition to the support for the literacy programs of our government, he recognizes the unique needs of aboriginal children and youth.
Last year, the McGuinty government launched its New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs. At the heart of our new approach is the recognition that we must create a better future for aboriginal children and youth. We are committed to ensuring improved opportunities and a better way of life for First Nation and Metis communities across Ontario.
Last November, I had the pleasure of joining the Premier and aboriginal leaders from Ontario to represent Ontario at the first ministers' meeting in Kelowna. This was an historic event, where Premiers from all the provinces and territories, the Prime Minister of Canada and First Nations, Metis and Inuit leaders worked together to find solutions for closing the socio-economic gap that exists between aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities.
The McGuinty government continues to support the principles behind the Kelowna accord and will continue to push the federal government to meet its funding commitment.
In March this year, the McGuinty government, with 49 chiefs of treaties 5 and 9, launched a process to establish a Northern Table to help bring greater economic opportunity to aboriginal communities in the north. Establishing the Northern Table will fulfill one of Ontario's key commitments under the New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs.
The goal of the Northern Table is to ensure the active participation of First Nations in establishing a viable economic base in Ontario's far north. Once established, the Northern Table would enhance First Nations' participation in the benefits of resource development and boost the long-term sustainability of the northern economy. It will build on our government's current initiatives, programs and services. It will be a true partnership that, over time, will include other First Nations across the north.
Later this month, I will be travelling to Big Trout Lake First Nation for the annual Chiefs of Ontario summer meeting. The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss progress in a number of key initiatives of the new approach since its launch last year. It will also provide an opportunity for the McGuinty government to renew our commitment to strengthening relations with First Nations leaders.
The McGuinty government has shown that it is listening to the concerns of First Nations and Metis people, and we will work together on our shared priorities and goals. We will be working towards building trust and understanding. What binds us together is our common humanity. The McGuinty government is committed to working with First Nations and Metis leaders and the federal government to make a real difference and to achieve real results in improving the lives of aboriginal peoples.
Please join me in showing our appreciation for First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples on National Aboriginal Day. Thank you. Meegwetch.
NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY
Mr. Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): I'm very pleased to add my thoughts to those of other members of the House on this, the 10th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day.
Today, across this province and across our great country, First Nations, Inuit and Metis people celebrate their cultures, heritage and accomplishments. It is important to recognize the distinct nature of each of our founding cultures if we are to understand their unique and individual contribution to our history.
Recent events at Six Nations-Caledonia underline the need for greater appreciation, awareness and co-operation between and among our communities.
As politicians, we must lead by example, and it is imperative that we improve our own understanding of aboriginal communities by actively participating in celebrations. I myself have had an opportunity to attend First Nations and Metis celebrations, as have some of my colleagues. There are celebrations today taking place in communities across the province. For instance, in my riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka, the Moon River Metis Council is holding an Aboriginal Day celebration at Muskoka Heritage Place in Huntsville. In the neighbouring riding of Simcoe North, MPP Garfield Dunlop is participating in the official opening ceremony of the new Beausoleil First Nation community, sports and recreation centre on Christian Island.
National Aboriginal Day is an opportunity for greater awareness of the contributions of the aboriginal community. Today's celebration of aboriginal values -- wisdom, truth, honesty, respect, bravery and humility -- helps to underline the values our cultures share.
I hope all Ontarians take this opportunity to build bridges and strengthen ties between our communities.
NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY
Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): I want to say just a few words in honour of National Aboriginal Day. Across Canada and across Ontario, aboriginal people are celebrating their contributions, cultures and struggles for self-determination, for vibrant languages and cultures and for healthy, thriving lands and communities.
Today, I especially want to honour the people from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug community, who have walked 2,000 kilometres here to Queen's Park to protest against the activities of the McGuinty government -- a McGuinty government which continues to permit and encourage mining exploration on their traditional lands despite the fact that the people of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug have said to the McGuinty government that they do not want mining activity and mining exploration at this time.
I want to salute the walkers from KI for their courage and their determination, and I say to the McGuinty government that it is time for you to keep your promises to First Nations.
Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): I too want to take an opportunity to signal that this is an important day to all First Nations residents of the province of Ontario. Unfortunately, far too often they've been disappointed by this government, as they have been for many, many years, when it comes to living up to basic treaty rights and treating those communities with dignity. We have seen example after example where First Nations have been left behind to live in Third World conditions, where governments have decided to do nothing to advance their needs as a community. I say, on behalf of the communities I represent and that other members represent, that we need to take those issues seriously, we need to put our dollars where our mouth is and we need to make sure that we fund the needs of those communities.
We also say to this government, in the wake of what's going on in Caledonia, that they waited too long to deal with this particular issue, and as a result of that, this issue has gotten way out of hand. The government would have done better to listen to what people were saying in the local community before all of this blew up into what it is now, and maybe we would not be where we are.
