City celebrates Aboriginal Day June 21 – City of Guelph

Guelph, Ont., June 14, 2017 – On June 21, the City will host Guelph’s annual Aboriginal Day celebration in Market Square. Members of the public are invited to share in the celebration from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Aboriginal Day invites Canadians from all walks of life to celebrate the rich culture, unique heritage and notable achievements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples of Canada. June is also designated National Aboriginal History Month.

This year’s event offers music and sharing that includes a territorial welcome, drum circles, dancing, as well as food and craft vendors and children’s activities. 10 Carden will host an open house for its Indigenous Art Show during the celebration, and the City’s 2017 Artist in Residence, Carolyn Meili, will launch her project entitled, The Parade. Members of the Wiiji Numgumook Kwe–Guelph Women’s Drum Circle will lead drummers of all ages in a community drum circle and attendees will be invited to participate in a variety of Aboriginal crafts and community art projects while taking in the sights and sounds of the celebration.

Carden Street will be closed during this free family-friendly event, but access to the Wilson Street parking lot will be open as well the water feature in front of City Hall.

“This annual celebration continues to grow,” says Danna Evans, general manager of Culture, Tourism and Community Investment for the City. “It is wonderful to see our community recognize the history and contributions of Aboriginal Peoples while celebrating the skills, talents and strengths of present-day Aboriginal communities.”

“Aboriginal” is a term that includes First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples of Canada. Each of these distinct groups has unique histories, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. City staff worked with members of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Grand River Métis Council and local First Nations and Inuit community members to plan the event.

More information about Guelph’s Aboriginal Day celebration is posted on guelph.ca/marketsquare. To learn more about Carolyn Meili’s 2017 Artist in Residence project visit guelph.ca/air2017.

About National Aboriginal Day

National Aboriginal Day was proclaimed in 1996 by former Governor General Roméo LeBlanc. In cooperation with Aboriginal organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for this occasion as it has important symbolism within Aboriginal cultures. National Aboriginal Day on June 21 kicks off Celebrate Canada!, an 11-day celebration that also includes Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and concludes with Canada Day (July 1).

For more information

Jen Rafter
Cultural Program and Event Coordinator
Culture, Tourism and Community Investment
519-822-1260 extension 2629
jen.rafter@guelph.ca

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