Regina Leader-Post

National Aboriginal Day celebrates heritage and culture in Regina

- By Michelle Jones For L-P Specialty Products

The 17th Annual National Aboriginal Day takes place on June 21, and the celebratio­n has seen many changes over the years. The National Aboriginal Day celebratio­ns began as a government initiative with events that included a lunch barbecue for employees of various government department­s.

The celebratio­ns gradually grew into a few larger day-festivals, and now almost all community organizati­ons, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, have their own celebratio­ns at all levels of government, Crown corporatio­ns, private business, and educationa­l institutio­ns within the community.

“It truly has gone back to the people, as it was intended,” said Regina Aboriginal Day Wascana Park Celebratio­ns director, Orenda Yuzicapi.

This year’s theme celebrates the past, present, and future triumphs of Canada’s Aboriginal people. It brings the significan­ce of Aboriginal contributi­on to Canada as a whole to everyone. It acknowledg­es the achievemen­ts in creating our modern society, people who have made a difference by inspiring others, achieving success, and contributi­ng to the culture and sacrificin­g for the greater good.

“We are proud of our history and want to showcase what we have done for our cultures and mainstream society...our cultures are alive and vibrant and are not just found in museums as a past people,” said Yuzicapi. “Our goal is awareness, as with better understand­ing comes better relationsh­ips for everyone.”

The present is just as important for the past as it is for the future. The past cannot be changed, but it can be learned from. And, the present allows a change in the future through what is done today. This can be accomplish­ed by understand­ing the

history of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, and building a working relationsh­ip as cultures move forward, striving for the greater good.

“Our ultimate goal is to create an understand­ing. Today we want to reach out and help non-Aboriginal­s to understand our cultures and appreciate our contributi­ons,” said Yuzicapi.

The Northwest corner of Wascana Park will see events starting at 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Opening ceremonies will take place from 10 to 11 a.m., with a traditiona­l Aboriginal Procession leading in the flags of the present nations that are celebrated in the ceremonies. This is a high honor among the Aboriginal people of Canada, and celebrates the union of Aboriginal people with all Canadians.

The welcoming addresses will be delivered by dignitarie­s, including Aboriginal representa­tives, federal and provincial government representa­tives. Event sponsors will also have an opportunit­y to address attendees about the Aboriginal cultural significan­ce within Regina and the rest of Canada.

There will also be on-going events and displays throughout the park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. including sports demonstrat­ions such as lacrosse; language and visual arts demonstrat­ions including pottery, flint knapping, Metis cart making, and finger weaving; arts and crafts; children’s performers such as Aboriginal puppet shows and musicians; food preparatio­n demonstrat­ions; and community organizati­ons and display booths.

Performanc­e artists such as Métis jiggers and musicians, and First Nation traditiona­l dancers and contempora­ry performanc­es will also be featured. Traditiona­l song and dance performanc­es will be featured periodical­ly throughout the afternoon from 12:30 until 5 p.m.

A traditiona­l round dance will take place at the end of day. Everyone is welcome to participat­e in this thank-you dance. It is a circle social dance used to welcome, thank, and meet new friends.

During the day’s festivitie­s, families are welcome to attend a pro-wrestling event featuring regional wrestling league champions, including the “First Nation Sensation” Wavell Starr. This is an event for all ages.

The Regina Aboriginal Profession­al Associatio­n is partnering with Farm Credit Canada on the Third Annual Aboriginal Talent Showcase, which is held on June 21 at the Cornwall Centre from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The performanc­e will feature traditiona­l dancers from Wambdi Dance, Charging Bear Drum Group, as well as Metis jigging duo Lila and Sabrina Poitras with fiddler Nathaniel Baker.

June 27 to 29 is National Aboriginal Fashion Week, which takes place at First Nations University of Regina from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Four local designers will be chosen to take part in a New York City fashion show in September.

 ?? (Supplied photo) ?? National Aboriginal Day celebratio­ns will take place tomorrow from 9 am to 10 pm at Wascana Park. The opening ceremonies will begin with the Grand Entry, a traditiona­l procession of Aboriginal elders and dignitarie­s.
(Supplied photo) National Aboriginal Day celebratio­ns will take place tomorrow from 9 am to 10 pm at Wascana Park. The opening ceremonies will begin with the Grand Entry, a traditiona­l procession of Aboriginal elders and dignitarie­s.
 ?? (Supplied photo) ?? First Nation traditiona­l dancers and musicians will perform from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., tomorrow at Wascana Park.
(Supplied photo) First Nation traditiona­l dancers and musicians will perform from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., tomorrow at Wascana Park.

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