Celebrating Culture, Tradition and Partnerships

THUNDER BAY – The theme for this year’s celebrations is Celebrating Our Communities’ Diversity through Tradition, Culture and Partnerships. This event is being held to acknowledge the rich contributions Aboriginal people have made to Canada.

Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy is wishing everyone an enjoyable National Aboriginal Day taking place June 21 and encourages all to not only take part in the cultural practices but to learn our shared history.

“On days like this, we need to better educate the general public about the history and Treaties made with the Indigenous peoples of this country,” said Regional Chief Stan Beardy. “For example, how many know that the summer of 2014 marks an important 250th anniversary of an event that formed Canada: the 1764 Treaty of Niagara?”

Raising public awareness on the First Nations’ history, rights and priorities is a part of the Chiefs of Ontario communications strategy and is paramount in the mandate given by First Nations. Unfortunately, Canada’s history books do not provide an accurate reflection of the First Nations’ experience and do not provide the necessary critical look at the creation of Canada. First Nations are calling for a better-rounded and less one-sided perspective.

“Ask a First Nations person about Canada’s history on National Aboriginal Day, they will kindly tell anyone with a sincere interest in learning more,” Regional Chief Beardy said.

Today, the Chiefs of Ontario and the Law Society of Upper Canada have partnered to bring together First Nation leadership, legal experts, and resource development industry representatives for an important discussion on the intersection of Treaty and resource development. This topic builds on the arguments that were put forth to the Supreme Court of Canada in the Keewatin case, which focuses on an issue in the First Nation community of Grassy Narrows but can potentially have an effect on all First Nation communities and their Treaty rights.

The event takes place today as part of the National Aboriginal Month Celebration at 4pm at the Law Society of Upper Canada in Toronto. More information can be obtained at: www.lawsocietygazette.ca/event/nahm/
Thunder Bay National Aboriginal Day
Friday, June 20th (Day One)

Education Day

10am – 2pm
Activity Stations
Arts, Crafts, Storytelling, Games, Teachings in the Fort
Entertainment

12pm – 10pm
Open Air Concert featuring Live, Local Entertainment in the Amphitheatre
Bands
Gravel Road
JC Wilkinson Band
Morning Light
Boys on the Bay
Nick Sherman Band
Ira Johnson Band
Anishnawbe 4
Single Acts
Jamie Labrador
Cassidy Houston
Natasha Fisher
Jory Zechner
Sara Kanutski
Chris Tallari
Courtney Jourdain
June 21st (Day Two)

5:30am
Sunrise Ceremony
7:30am
Light Breakfast for Sunrise Ceremony Attendees
11am
Grand Opening with Special Ceremony Honouring Youth, Youth Leaders (Main Stage)
11:30am
Powwow/Grand Entry
Master of Ceremonies: TBD
Arena Director: TBD
Host Drum: TBD
5pm
Feast
8pm
Give Aways and Closing Ceremony

Bus Schedule

June 20^th & 21^st, 2014

Between Fort William Historical Park and Labour Centre