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…
Popcorn
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 21ST?
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