HAPPY ABORIGINAL DAY ST JUNE 21 EXCERPT FROM

HAPPY ABORIGINAL DAY ST JUNE 21

EXCERPT FROM 1996 NAD PROCLAMATION Whereas in the Constitution of Canada aboriginal peoples of Canada include the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada; Whereas the Aboriginal peoples of Canada have made and continue to make valuable contributions to Canadian society and it is considered appropriate that there be, in each year, a day to mark and celebrate these contributions and to recognize the different cultures of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada; And Whereas many Aboriginal peoples celebrate the summer solstice, which has an important symbolism within their cultures; Therefore, His Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, hereby directs that a proclamation do issue declaring June 21 of each year as “National Aboriginal Day. ”

TRUE OR FALSE 1. Aboriginal Day should be celebrated by every Canadian.

TRUE Aboriginal day was set by a New Brunswicker, Romeo Leblanc, Governor General of Canada in 1996 as a day for all Canadians to celebrate the contributions aboriginal people have made and continue to make to Canada.

TRUE OR FALSE 2. National Aboriginal day is a holiday in some regions of Canada.

TRUE June 21, Aboriginal Day, is a holiday in the North West Territories and the Yukon Territory as well as in many First Nation communities across Canada.

TRUE OR FALSE 3. Aboriginal people live in every province and territory in Canada.

TRUE There are Aboriginal people living in every part of Canada.

TRUE OR FALSE 4. There are 60 different Aboriginal languages across Canada which are still spoken today.

TRUE Sadly there were over 200 languages at one time. The local Mi’kmaq language is one that is on the list of the 13 most endangered languages in Canada.

TRUE OR FALSE 5. Aboriginal people invented sunglasses, hockey, popcorn and chewing gum.

TRUE Aboriginal people invented these. There are many more contributions made by Aboriginal people including; pain relief medicines, cure for scurvy, upset stomach remedies, petroleum jelly, cough syrup, toboggan, canoe, kayak, snowshoes, dart game, lacrosse, wild rice, corn, sunflowers, and many others.

TRUE OR FALSE 6. Some aboriginal people still live in teepees and igloos.

FALSE This is a stereotype. Most Aboriginal people live in homes like other Canadians with internet and all the modern amenities.

TRUE OR FALSE 7. Aboriginal communities host powwows only for aboriginal people to attend.

FALSE Everyone is invited and welcome to attend community powwows.

TRUE OR FALSE 8. Powwow dancers wear colourful costumes when they dance.

FALSE Powwow dancers wear regalia which is sacred and worn only for ceremonies. It an insult to refer to regalia as a costume; like what you would put on for Halloween or a costume party.

TRUE OR FALSE 9. All Canadians are treaty people.

TRUE Treaties are signed agreements between nations. In Canada, many treaties were signed between Indigenous Nations and the British Crown (later the Government of Canada). Today, these treaties are legally binding and because OUR ancestors (First Nations and the Government Canada) signed these legal agreements, we as Canadians, are all “treaty people. ”

TRUE OR FALSE 10. The Mi’kmaq people have been living in this part of Canada for almost 1000 years.

FALSE There is evidence to prove that the Mi’kmaq people have been living in this part of the Maritimes for over 13, 000 years!

DIVERSITY OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES IN CANADA

DIVERSITY OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES IN CANADA

DIVERSITY OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN CANADA • Cultural diversity within the Aboriginal population is frequently not recognized. There is a misconception that Aboriginals are one large group who share the same culture, traditions, language, needs and desires. Little could be further from the truth. • In BC alone there is an amazing diversity of First Nation culture and language - there are over 200 First Nation communities in the province - each with its own unique culture, traditions and history. Alberta has 46 separate bands. New Brunswick has 15 First Nation (Mi’kmaq and Wolastuk) communities. • First Nation people are affiliated with 633 Indian Bands and reside on more than 2000 reserves as well as in urban cities. • It is estimated that more than half (56%) live in urban centres across Canada. • Some communities are remote, especially in the northern regions.

HISTORICAL MI’KMAQ CONTRIBUTIONS STILL USED TODAY

ALSO THINGS LIKE… Ch ew ing gu Popcorn m s lasse g n u S Lacrosse Hockey Just to name a few!

Can you find First Nation contributions on this poster?

CONTEMPORARY CONTRIBUTIONS SID BOBB RITA JOE GEORGE PAUL WAB KINEW CANDY PALMATER BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE THOMAS CLAIR By: ROGER SIMON CAREY PRICE TRIBE CALLED RED

WHY JUNE 21 ST? SUMMER SOLSTICE • It's a very significant day for aboriginal people as it is seen as a time for renewal, and sacred ceremonies where they pray for healing, good crops, good harvest and also a time to give thanks for surviving the long winter season. • This sun-filled day is a celebration of native cultural achievements. It coincides with the summer solstice which marks the beginning of summer. One of the reasons June 21 was chosen was because of the cultural significance of the longest day of the year and because many Aboriginal groups mark this day as a time to celebrate their heritage. "There isn't a time of year when there is more life than the summer solstice, "

LAST YEAR MARKED 20 YEARS SINCE THE FIRST NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY WAS CELEBRATED https: //www. aadncaandc. gc. ca/eng/1464356109134/1464356129579

WELA’LIOQ, MERCI, THANK YOU