Nova Scotians will celebrate the rich culture and important contributions of aboriginal people as part of National Aboriginal Day, on Tuesday, June 21.

“National Aboriginal Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous role aboriginal people play in the cultural, economic and social well-being of Nova Scotia,” said Premier Stephen McNeil, who is also Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. “It is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about aboriginal culture.”

Aboriginal Day celebrations will be held across the province, including one at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, 1675 Lower Water St., in Halifax, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Halifax event is sponsored by the province, Cape Breton University and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, and will serve as the launch of the book Living Treaties: Narrating Mi’kmaw Treaty Relations, with a panel discussion. The evening will include performances by local Mi’kmaq artists, musicians and poets.

First proclaimed in 1996, this year National Aboriginal Day is celebrating 20 years. June 21 was chosen as it is the summer solstice, the day on which many aboriginal communities celebrate their culture and heritage.

Source: Release