National Aboriginal Day is on June 21. You are invited!
Contributed by Ruby Langan, Genevieve Babineau and Sandra Ahenakew
We are three Aboriginal peoples in Canada – the First Nations, Inuit and Métis. We each have our own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. National Aboriginal Day is a day set aside to celebrate Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. The Union of National Employees has many aboriginal members in workplaces across Canada.
June 21 is the day of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For centuries, many of the first inhabitants would celebrate the arrival of warm weather on this day. National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for June 21 to be National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. Canada’s Governor General proclaimed it the first National Aboriginal Day in 1996.
We welcome you to join local community events to honour, celebrate and learn about Canada’s original peoples. Check your local newspaper or the Aboriginal Friendship Centre for events near you. Come and join the fun. Eat, learn, play, volunteer, be entertained and get involved. This is your invitation.
National Aboriginal Day events across Canada are listed at the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada website:
http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100013322/1100100013323
Ruby Langan, Genevieve Babineau and Sandra Ahenakew are UNE Aboriginal equity representatives.