Celebrate National Aboriginal Day
McGuinty Government Encourages Ontarians To Experience Aboriginal Culture
Hand-in-Hand more than a 100 participants dance the 49er at the 2009 Pic Mober First Nations PowWow.
June 21 is National Aboriginal Day. This provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the numerous Aboriginal cultural events taking place across the province and learn about the rich heritage of Aboriginal peoples in Ontario and across Canada.
Aboriginal people, culture and accomplishments have played an integral role in the history of this province. The Ontario government is proud to honour these contributions and to continue moving forward to develop stronger, more positive relationships with Aboriginal people.
Events and activities highlighting the rich and unique cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit, including traditional drumming and dancing ceremonies, fiddle performances and arts and crafts shows are held across the country throughout the month of June.
For example, at 9 p.m. tonight, the CN Tower in downtown Toronto will be lit up in the colours of the traditional Medicine Wheel. The Medicine Wheel represents traditional teachings and a way of living that is still a cornerstone of First Nations cultures in North America today. It is a circle divided into four coloured sections, red, yellow, white and a dark colour such as blue or black.
QUICK FACTS
- Each year National Aboriginal Day is celebrated across the country on June 21; the summer solstice and the longest day of the year.
- Ontario is home to almost 300,000 Aboriginal people across the province.
- The name Ontario comes from an Iroquois word meaning beautiful lake or beautiful water.
- The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto is the oldest Aboriginal friendship centre in Canada.
LEARN MORE
- Discover Aboriginal events and celebrations across Ontario.
- Visit www.PicRiver.com for details of today’s celebrations which include a fireworkds display at dusk (or see poster below)
