On June 21, 2012, Canada celebrated National Aboriginal Day. The events covered all of Canada’s major cities, including Winnipeg.
On June 23, 2012, Winnipeggers and guests of the city took in different activities from early morning at The Forks, historical and legendary place for First Nations of Canada. Aboriginal People celebrated the many attributes of North American Indian culture and tradition by participating in, among other things, ceremonial dances in traditional outfits, and by demonstrating the handmade manufacture of traditional items, which were created on the spot.
Information centres from Manitoba Museum, Saint Boniface Museum and Canadian National Parks presented information about traditions of Canada’s First Nations. Students of Red River College presented national Aboriginal foods of Canada.
Since it was first declared 16 years ago in 1996, National Aboriginal Day has stirred great interest from many Canadians. In 2011, 30.000 of people visited the Forks on that day. This year’s festivities at The Forks made it the centre of attraction once again. People across Canada celebrated National Aboriginal Day with the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), which broadcast its annual Aboriginal Day Live concerts from The Forks in Winnipeg and the First Nations University of Canada in Regina. The celebration concluded with a spectacular fireworks show.
