Nova Scotia Celebrates National Aboriginal Day

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Nova Scotians can share in the celebration of the rich culture and important contributions of aboriginal people on National Aboriginal Day, Wednesday, June 21.

“National Aboriginal Day offers an engaging and interactive way to participate in aboriginal heritage and cultural celebrations,” said Premier Stephen McNeil, who is also Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. “It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity and to learn more about the aboriginal culture.”

There will be National Aboriginal Day celebrations at various locations across the province, including the Sands at Salter along the Halifax Waterfront and the Halifax Common.

The Sands at Salter event will be part of a national Aboriginal Peoples Television Network broadcast and Halifax will be one of eight cities showcased in a seven-hour live broadcast. This event will include a sacred fire ceremony, storytelling, a birchbark canoe demonstration, Mi’kmaw Honour Song, round dance, culinary demonstrations and a closing concert at 8 p.m.

The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre will also host events on the Halifax Common including a powwow with a round dance, musical performances, drumming and more. A full schedule of events is posted on the centre’s Facebook page.

First proclaimed in 1996, June 21 was chosen as it is the summer solstice, the day on which many aboriginal communities celebrate their culture and heritage.

Mi’kmaw culture is one of the themes in Nova Scotia’s first Culture Action Plan, released in February. To view the plan, go to novascotia.ca/culture/Culture-Action-Plan–English.pdf.

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Source: Release