National Aboriginal Day
2013
Celebrate National Aboriginal Day with us today!
The Governor General of Canada proclaimed the first National Aboriginal Day on June 21, 1996. Every year, this celebration offers us a unique opportunity to learn about the rich, diverse heritage of Aboriginal peoples across our country, and celebrate the First Nations, Metis and Inuit people and all of their contributions to Canadian culture.
Not only does Canada have a history full of beautiful cultures, we are also lucky enough to have a rich and diverse natural environment across the entire country. The Aboriginal way of life celebrates nature and understand the deep connection we have with the environment we live in.
One of our Green Heroes, Ta’Kaiya Blaney, is a Sliammon First Nation and says this about her culture, “In my culture it’s a fact, and an understanding of life, that everything is connected, and we were put on this earth to be stewards and caretakers of the environment.”
Ta’Kaiya is only 12 years old, but has become an advocate for marine and coastal wildlife and spreads awareness through singing. Her first song, “Shallow Waters,” was inspired by the proposed Northern Gateway oil pipeline and Ta’Kaiya’s desire to prevent future oil spills.
Share in the Celebration!
Here are just a few of the events taking place across the country:
- June 21–23, Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival, VincentMasseyPark, Ottawa, Ontario
- June 22, Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow, WellsHillPark, Toronto, Ontario
- June 21, National Aboriginal Day at Trout Lake Park, Trout Lake, British Columbia
- June 14-June 26, Calgary Aboriginal Awareness Week, Calgary, Alberta
- June 21-July 1, Celebrate With Youth!, West Pubnico, Nova Scotia
- June 21, Festive Ceremony for National Aboriginal Day, MontrealQuebec
For a full list of events in each Province, click here
Watch Ta’Kaiy Blaney save marine and coastal wildlife with her voice on the new Green Heroes episode, “Back to Nature,” airing on TVO this Tuesday, June 25th, at 7:30pm.