June 21st is National Aboriginal Day, a chance for Canadians to celebrate the rich contributions Aboriginal peoples have made to Canada both past and present. The name Canada is a First Nations word. It comes from the word “Kanata” which means “village” in the Mohawk and Huron languages.
Aboriginal peoples are the descendants of the original inhabitants of Canada. The Canadian Constitution recognizes three groups of Aboriginal peoples: First Nations, Inuit and Metis. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
In June of 1996, in co-operation with national Aboriginal organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21st as National Aboriginal Day. This date is very significant for Aboriginal people because it is when they celebrate the summer solstice (longest day of the year). For generations, many Aboriginal peoples have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day.
Many celebrations and pow-wows are organized on this special day. A pow-wow which means, “to dream” in the Algonquian language, is an ancient Aboriginal tradition. Today’s pow-wows are still at the heart of Aboriginal people’s spiritual celebrations.
June 21st is National Aboriginal Day, a time for all Canadians to recognize the diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.
Celebrating First Nations
First Nations is a collective term used to describe the Aboriginal peoples once referred to as “Indian.” They are one of three peoples recognized as Aboriginal in the Constitution Act, 1982. First Nations people is used to describe both Status and Non-Status Indians. Status Indians are people who are entitled to have their names included on the Indian Register, an official list maintained by the federal government. Non-Status Indians are people who consider themselves to be First Nations people, but who are not registered.
Celebrating Inuit
Inuit are the Aboriginal people of Arctic Canada and they mainly live in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and northern parts of Labrador and Quebec. Inuit means “The People” in Inuktitut – the Inuit language - and is the term by which Inuit refer to themselves.
Celebrating Metis
The Metis are one of the three peoples recognized as Aboriginal in the Canadian Constitution. Metis persons are of mixed First Nations and European ancestry who identify themselves as Metis and are recognized by the Metis community.
Celebrations will be taking place at Bear Creek Park on June 21st from 9:00 - 2:30.
