National Aboriginal Day will be celebrated in Timmins beginning with a sacred sunrise ceremony at daybreak, Sunday at Hollinger Park.
National Aboriginal Day is celebrated by Aboriginal people across Canada to celebrate the summer solstice which marks the celebration of a new season.
Canadians will be celebrating the cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples across Canada.
The Timmins Aboriginal Organizations Committee, which oversees the festivities, welcomes everyone to join in the celebrations.
The festivities are open to everyone in Timmins.
The Aboriginal people of Timmins and the surrounding area want to share their heritage and culture.
National Aboriginal Day recognizes the indigenous people of Canada and it is also an opportunity for everyone else to share and get to know Aboriginal culture.
The Aboriginal Day ceremonies begin with a sacred sunrise ceremony at 5:30 a.m.
Between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. volunteers will set up the large white teepee.
Coffee, tea and bannock will be served
The opening ceremony takes place between noon and 12:30 p.m. with David Faries, the Aboriginal Advisor and Campus Elder for Northern College, serving as the Master of Ceremonies.
The opening and closing prayer is offered by Elder Cheryl McCumber and O Canada will be sung by Elder Annie Sutherland.
Whitestone provides the host drum. Drumming and dancing will be featured throughout the day.
Barbecue cooking of various foods will be held between noon and 7 p.m. and served until supplies last.
Throughout the day there will be on going activities such as:
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Artisans and crafts booths
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Information booths
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Children’s activities such as a fish pond sponsored by Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services
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Closing remarks will be made at 4:30 p.m.
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Evening Live Entertainment by Kick ‘N’ Dust.
For more info contact Feather Maracle Luke at 705-360-2623 ext. 8537 or Richard Aubin 705-264-3939