June is National Aboriginal History Month
With National Aboriginal Day just around the corner, the Regina Aboriginal Professional Association ARAPA) is hosting a series of events in Regina over the month of June to celebrate and raise awareness of National Aboriginal History Month.
RAPA started the initiative, and in 2007, they were successful in obtaining a local proclamation from the City of Regina. On June 11, 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan made a formal declaration to support the cause. Nationally, on June 4, 2009, the House of Commons officially accepted the motion to recognize and celebrate the month as “National Aboriginal History Month.”
RAPA President, Cherish Deegan, now wants to bring awareness to Regina schools.
“Since the launch of the initiative in 2007, it has always been a goal to connect with Regina’s schools to promote National Aboriginal History month as part of their curriculum. We are very much open to discuss future plans with any member of the Regina School Board or the Regina Catholic Schools,” said Deegan.
RAPA has a number of objectives for the National Aboriginal History project, including building cross cultural relationships in the community, encouraging a sense of pride and determination to share Aboriginal stories, developing positive partnerships with Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal groups, and creating an environment for youth to learn the traditional knowledge of Elders.
“As stories and youth are an integral part of National Aboriginal History Month, reaching out to the schools is definitely a goal that RAPA will continue to pursue,” Deegan said.
RAPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of Regina’s Aboriginal community. They are a volunteer-based organization driven by a committed team of community members. Their mission is to develop a network of people committed to fostering opportunities for Aboriginal people in education, employment, and economic initiatives in the City of Regina and surrounding areas.
Each week has activities and events planned around a certain theme.
Week one’s theme was “Celebrating PAST stories and triumphs of Canada’s Aboriginal people,” and the event was a film screening of “We Were Children,” which is based on the stories of two residential school survivors. That took place Saturday, June 1 at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The cultural activity was a beading lesson by Timeless Shadows designer, Tracey GeorgeHeese.
Week two’s theme was “Celebrating PRESENT stories and triumphs of Canada’s Aboriginal people.” The event for that week was deynote Speaker, Dr. Alexandria Wilson, presenting “Sakihiwawin: Creating Change through our Loving Actions.” This is proudly presented by RAPA and the Saskatchewan Anti-Racism Committee. The event took place Saturday, June 8 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Albert Scott Community Centre. The Cultural activity was a Bannock Bake-Off Contest with soup provided.
Week three’s theme is “EMBRACING Our Culture and Traditions.” This week’s event will be RAPA and Farm Credit Canada’s 3rd Annual Aboriginal Talent Showcase on National Aboriginal Day, Friday, June 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cornwall Centre. There will be performances by Wambdi Dance, Charging Bear Drum Group, Jigging Duo Lila & Sabrina Poitras, and fiddler Nathaniel Baker. The cultural activity will be a jigging and powwow dance-off.
Week Four’s theme will be “Celebrating FUTURE Stories and Triumphs of Canada’s Aboriginal People.” RAPA and National Aboriginal Indigenous Games proudly present a one-day archery and lacrosse youth camp and community BBQ on Saturday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Nations University of Canada. Cultural activity will be Tipi Teachings with Mike Pinay and Roland daye.
In addition to the multiple themed events throughout the month, RAPA is giving people a chance to win prizes from Aboriginal crafters by taking photos related to that word-of-the-day. RAPA and Urban Native Girl present the National Aboriginal History Month “PhotoA-Day” Challenge. From June 1 to 30, take a photo of the description matching that day and post it on social media sites, Facebook and/or Twitter, using the hashtag #NAHM2013PhotoADay. Join the RAPA Facebook group or search for #NAHM2013PhotoADay on Twitter and Instagram to join in on the fun!
All of the events are free and open to the general public. The Regina Aboriginal Professionals Association along with their proud partners are excited to invite you to join them throughout the month of June to celebrate the past, present, and future stories and triumphs of Canada’s Aboriginal people.