General News and Announcements

The United Church of Canada joins with thousands of Canadians across the country in celebrating National Aboriginal Day on June 21. Our offices will be closed that day, and everyone is encouraged to participate in events celebrating the gift and contribution of First Nations to our church and country.

National

• The Government of Canada has created an Aboriginal Events Calendar marking national celebrations.

British Columbia

• Vancouver: A partnership of Vancouver’s Aboriginal community celebrates National Aboriginal Day with a full day of events beginning at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society and the Coast Salish Territories at Trout Lake.

Alberta

• Edmonton: Alberta’s Ministry of Aboriginal Relations is honouring First Nations, Métis, and Inuit culture on Tuesday, June 19, with festivities at Edmonton City Centre beginning at noon.
• Lake La Biche: On June 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Lac La Biche will celebrate National Aboriginal Day at McArthur Place starting with a parade at 10:30 a.m. There will be cultural programs, entertainment, and voyageur canoe rides throughout the afternoon.

Saskatchewan

• Regina: See the information on Aboriginal Day Live below, under Manitoba.
• Saskatoon: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada will host its fourth National Event in Saskatoon June 21−24 at Prairieland Park. This is an opportunity for all Canadians, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, to learn more about and bear witness to the legacy of the Residential School system.

Manitoba

• Winnipeg: The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) will host and broadcast its annual Aboriginal Day Live concert on June 23 from its stages at The Forks in Winnipeg and at First Nations University in Regina. If you are unable to attend this free event in either city, it will be broadcast online, over the radio with various broadcast partners, and of course on APTN and APTN HD. The free event showcases today’s brightest and best First Nations, Inuit, and Métis talent, including Buffy Sainte-Marie, Kashtin, Inez, and Plex.
• Winnipeg: The Ninth Annual National Aboriginal Day Celebration at the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre will be held on June 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free food and admission, Aboriginal artisans market, career fair, Aboriginal Idol contest, and more.

Ontario

• Brampton: The Peel Aboriginal Steering Committee is pleased to invite you to the 2012 A Gathering: Peels Aboriginal Celebration. This year’s theme is “The Three Nations.” This event will be held on Saturday, June 23, at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton. The event will start at 10:00 a.m. with the Opening Ceremonies and conclude at 5:00 p.m. with the Closing Ceremonies.
• Ottawa: Igniting the Spirit Gala 2012, a fundraiser for the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, will be held on June 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in Ottawa. Ticket information is available online.
• Ottawa: Now in its 15th year, the Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival, June 21−24, is one of the few Aboriginal arts events that truly represent the cultural diversity of our urban Aboriginal community, with full participation of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists.
• Peterborough: Ode’min Giizis Festival, June 20−24, features Tomson Highway, Cris Derkson, Cliff Cardinal, Alanis, King, James Luna, and many more.
• Toronto: The City of Toronto lists several events to honour National Aboriginal Day, including a sunrise ceremony, an art show, the Na-Ma-Res Pow Wow, and more.
• Toronto: The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto’s National Aboriginal Month events listing includes information about events happening throughout the GTA, including details of its National Aboriginal Day celebration at Yonge & Dundas Square on June 30.

New Brunswick

• Saint John: The New Brunswick Museum is hosting a day of family fun for National Aboriginal Day.
• Moncton: The City of Moncton will raise the Mi’kmaq flag and host a gathering at Festival Place with music, food, and speakers.

Prince Edward Island

• Charlottetown: See the Native Council of Prince Edward Island website for information about National Aboriginal Day celebrations and the Annual Moccasin Walk for Diabetes.

Nova Scotia

• Millbrook: The Glooscap Heritage Centre invites everyone to participate in singing, dancing, traditional demonstrations, and live entertainment.

Please note that at time of publication, there were no National Aboriginal Day event listings for Yukon, Northwest Territories, Quebec, or Nunavut.