National Aboriginal Day

"National Aboriginal Day", June 17 2009

Every year on June 21st, there are celebrations throughout Canada in honour of the contributions of Indigenous people have made to Canada. This day is also the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year and a date that holds special significance for many Indigenous cultures. You can find out more information from the history of the event from the McMaster Indigenous Studies Program. An online recourse has a multitude of videos available here you may also wish to see, and APTN is going live as well on June 20th. There are lots of events occurring around Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area this year, as well as all over the province and country.

Hamilton & GTA
National Aboriginal Days
June 17-21: Gage Park, Hamilton.
A variety of events, demonstrations and free food.
Hosted by the Hamilton ExecutiveDirectors' Aboriginal Coalition

Toronto Zoo National Aboriginal Day Event
June 21, Toronto Zoo
Storytelling, dancing and drumming from the Lost Dancers of Six Nations
While you're at the zoo make sure to check out the Traditional Knowlege Trail, which is a constant exhibit on-site.

Turtle Island Conservation Program
June 21, Toronto Zoo
A collaboration between Turtle Island Conservation and the Turtle Tally Program

Beauty, Identity Pride
June 21, Bata Shoe Museum (Toronto)

City of Toronto
June 17-29
Multitude of events occuring within the City of Toronto including a Pow Wow and several art exhibits

Other Ontario Locations
National Aboriginal Day @ St. Marie Among the Hurons
June 21, Midland

First Annual Aboriginal Day Pow Wow
June 20th, Fort Erie

City of Ottawa
June 17-21

Thunder Bay
June 21

Noongoon Traditional Pow Wow
June 21, Ottawa

Family Fun Day - Aboriginal Day
June 21, National Gallery (Ottawa)

St. Lawrence Islands National Park
June 21, Kingston

National Aboriginal Day Pow Wow & Cross-Cultural Celebrations
June 19-21, North Bay

Outside Ontario
City of Edmonton
Calgary Culture Club
Benoit First Nation
Vancouver Art Gallery
Winnipeg's Indian and Metis Friendship Center
Talking Rock Resort (BC)
Truro Nova Scotia
Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump (Lethbridge, AB)
National Aboriginal Day Celebrations at the Red River Exhibition
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

National Aboriginal Day also coincides with the National Day of Action, where there are multiple events throughout Canada.