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Join in National Aboriginal Day festivities in Clearwater, B.C.

A special day to celebrate the heritage, cultures and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada

To the editor;

On June 21, Canadians from all walks of life are invited to participate in the many National Aboriginal Day events that will be taking place from coast to coast to coast. This is a special day to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.

It takes place on this particular day because it coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, according to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.

“National Aboriginal Day is a day to remember our past leaders — their hard work and their legacy for self-determination left to us to carry on, “ Harry Nice Jr. of the Gitwinksihlkw Nisga’a Village Government said in a statement.

The day was established after the National Indian Brotherhood, a precursor to the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), mounted a campaign to have the date recognized as National Aboriginal Solidarity Day in 1982.

Quebec’s legislature recognized June 21 as a day to celebrate indigenous culture in 1991.  Five years later, the Sacred Assembly, a national meeting of indigenous and non-indigenous people, called for a national day to recognize aboriginal contributions to Canada.  June 21 was officially declared National Aboriginal Day by Governor-General Romeo LeBlanc in 1996.

Here in Clearwater at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, we are excited to be hosting National Aboriginal Day, which will be held at the Elks hall. Festivities will begin at 2 p.m., with activities all day long.   There will be displays, crafts for the family, local vendors selling their crafts, games for all and much more.

At approximately 6 p.m. there will be a feast inside the Elks hall, Everyone is invited. There is no charge for the day’s event and Feast, but donations are always welcome to be used for future family events. This family event is open to everyone in the North Thompson Valley and we encourage families to come and have fun while, sharing in the Aboriginal Culture.

National Aboriginal Day on June 21 kick starts Celebrate Canada!, an 11 day celebration that also includes Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and concludes with Canada Day (July 1)!

Looking forward to seeing all of you at National Aboriginal Day!

Yours In Community Spirit

Cindy Wilgosh

Clearwater, B.C.