The City of Guelph hosts an evening of culture and remembrance
Guelph hosted a successful National Aboriginal Day celebration at Market Square on Tues, June 21, marking the day’s 20th anniversary across Canada.
National Aboriginal Day was established in 1996 by former Governor General Romeo LeBlanc as “a day to mark and celebrate these contributions and to recognize the different cultures of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada,” according to the original proclamation by the Government of Canada.
During the event, all were welcome to join and to be introduced to the diverse cultures, heritages, and the remarkable accomplishments of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples of Canada.
The day also marked the summer solstice and acknowledged the groups’ vast contributions in the diverse fields of agriculture, environment, business, and arts, according to a news release from the City of Guelph.
The participating individuals gathered around to share traditional music and food, territorial welcomes, and drum circles that incorporated traditional Métis jigging and many other expressions of dancing, where individuals were encouraged to participate and dance along. The music was performed by Rajan and Kim Anderson, and members of the Wiijii Numgumook Kwe, Guelph’s official women’s drum circle. Numerous drums were handed out throughout the crowd for everyone to participate.