TORONTO – Canada’s National Aboriginal Day is held every June 21 to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and achievements of the nation’s Aboriginal peoples. First Nations, Métis and Inuit achievements are acknowledged on this day for their contributions to fields like business, agriculture, the environment, and the arts.

Canada’s Governor General proclaimed the first National Aboriginal Day in 1996. The Canadian government and Aboriginal organizations picked June 21 to coincide with the June solstice.

Global News compiled a list of events across the country starting June 21 and lasting into the weekend. The events are listed in local times below.

KELOWNA

Thursday:
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – National Aboriginal Day hosted by the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, at the corner of Lawrence Avenue and Ellis Street in downtown Kelowna. The outdoor celebration will feature drum music, native dancers in regalia and native crafts for sale.

EDMONTON

Thursday:
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – National Aboriginal Day commemoration and free activities at Canada Place, 9700 Jasper Avenue with mainstage activities 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. -The Royal Bank’s Aboriginal Employee group host a barbecue in partnership with Amiskwaciy Academy High School at the corner of 102nd Street and Jasper Avenue

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily to July 3—The Works Canadian Aboriginal Artist Program Exhibit featuring the work of aboriginal artists in Sir Winston Churchill Square at The Works big tent. A variety of musical artists will perform on The Works’ mainstage in Sir Winston Churchill Square from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m.

11 a.m.- 2 p.m. – A barbecue hosted by the Métis Urban Housing Corporation at 11923 121A Street.

4 p.m. to 9 p.m. – The Creating Hope Society and Native Seniors Centre present an evening of entertainment at Centennial Plaza. Featured entertainers are Shawn Bernard, Darla Daniels, Red Power Squad, Will Belcourt and the Hollywood Indians and Nathan Cunningham.

Saturday:
2 p.m. until past 7 p.m. -The National Aboriginal Day Evening in the Park on the legislature grounds including an Artisan Fair and Community Cultural Exhibits, student poster contest winners announced at 2:30 p.m. as well as the start of the youth stage. A ceremony to kick off the evening events at 5 p.m. and mainstage will host a concert featuring Asani and Carl Quinn at 7 p.m.

Sunday:
12 p.m. – The St. Albert Aboriginal Day festival will kick off with a ceremony in Lions Park.
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. -The Métis Child and Family Services Society presents Music Jamboree 2012.

SASKATOON

Thursday:
11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.– National Aboriginal Day at Friendship Park, Broadway Bridge and 19th Street East. The day will feature jigging, First Nations dancers, free food, an essay contest and children’s activities. For more information call 306-244-0174 or email executivedirector_simfc@shaw.ca .

REGINA

Thursday:
11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.-The Regina Aboriginal Professionals Association (RAPA), in partnership with Farm Credit Canada, present a free showcase of aboriginal talent at the Cornwall Centre, 2102 11 Avenue. Highlights include Metis dancers from Saskatchewan Urban Native Teachers Education Program (SUNTEP), First Nations powwow dancers, First Nation storyteller Roy Bison, and a hoop dance demonstration by Terrance Littletent.

11:30 and 2 p.m. -University of Regina the Aboriginal Student Centre is hosting A Showcase of Aboriginal Talent. Tickets are $5.

All day until 8 p.m.-There will be various events at Wascana Park including a Pow Wow and an aboriginal fashion show.

4 p.m. to June 23 -National Aboriginal Fashion Week kicks off at Turvey Centre. Tickets are $30 per night or $50 for both Friday and Saturday shows.

TORONTO

Thursday:
5:30 a.m.– Sunrise ceremony and flag raising at the City Hall Podium roof, 100 Queen St. W.

6 p.m. to sunset -First Nations’ dancing, drumming and sunset ceremony at Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd.

Friday:
By appointment -Native Canadian Bus Tours are operated by the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, located at 16 Spadina Road. Don Jabokwoam, an Ojibway from Manitoulin Island, will be leading a free tour sponsored by Harbourfront Centre on July 22. For more information on the Great Native Canadian tours, contact Bonnie Matthews at bonnie.matthews@ncct.ca or 416-964-9087 X343.

Saturday June 23:
12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Na-Me-Res traditional powwow/community festival at Wells Hill Park, 145 Hilton Avenue. Call 416-651-6750 for more information.

2:30p.m. – 3:30 p.m – Drumming/dancing interactive presentation by the Smoke Trail Singers at the Toronto Zoo, Waterside Theatre. This is a free event for all status card holders.

Next Saturday June 30:
12 p.m. – 8 p.m. –The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto celebrates Aboriginal History Month at Yonge Dundas Square.

MONTREAL

Thursday:
11:30 a.m. -Place Vauquelin beside the townhall holds a march to where the fire burns


12 p.m. – Place Jacques-Cartier between rues de la Commune Notre-Dame Est will host dances, drumbeats and honour songs



All afternoon -Marché Bonsecours – South side 363, rue de la Commune Est will have demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts

3 p.m. – Marché Bonsecours – South side 363, rue de la Commune Est will host a performance by Innu singer Katia Rock

7 p.m. -Marché Bonsecours – Salle Gilles-Carles 363, rue de la Commune Est will have Florent Vollant opened by: Mohawk Gage John Lazare

All afternoon -Montreal Friendship Centre at 2001 St-Laurent Boulevard will host several workshops: beading, making dream catchers, stone carving, etc. with a community supper at 6 p.m.

HUDSON, QUEBEC

Thursday:
8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. -On National Aboriginal Day, the Diocese of Montreal will host a day of awareness — “Caring for Aboriginal People: A Question of Respect.” Broken Walls, an internationally renowned fusion Rock/Christian/Aboriginal musical group, is sending three of their members to provide music and animation. They will also offer a concert. All in all, a very lively day is planned, with workshops and exercises as well as informative talks.