National Aboriginal Day is held annually on June 21 to celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. As Red River College President Stephanie Forsyth points out, we have much to learn about the rich culture and traditions of the people who first walked this land, and National Aboriginal Day provides an opportunity to engage in this learning in an enjoyable and festive environment.

On June 21, an episode of the CBC series 8th Fire will be shown in The Cave at the Notre Dame Campus from noon to 1:00pm. RRC will also host an exhibitor booth at the Indian Métis Friendship Centre (45 Robinson St.) from 10:00am to 4:00pm, while tours of the College’s Mobile Training Lab will be held from 11:00am to 2:00pm at 519 Selkirk Avenue, in the parking lot of the Urban Circle Training Centre.

On June 23, RRC Culinary Arts instructors Tom Pitt, Karl Oman and Chantalle Noschese will again participate in APTN’s Aboriginal Day Live festivities at The Forks. The team will contribute to the event’s cultural component by serving Aboriginal menu items starting at noon. Aboriginal Liaison/Advisor Jaime Richard and Graham Thomson, Dean of Business & Applied Arts, will also be at The Forks promoting RRC programs, supports and services.

See below for a full list of scheduled events.

Red River Ex
Thursday, June 21, 2012

Free gate admission from noon to 3:00pm
$5 before 5:00pm applies from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Chrystal Shawanda performs on the Main Stage at 8:00pm.
For more information visit: www.redriverex.com

Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre
Thursday, June 21, 2012

Story Telling begins at 10:00am, 11:00am, and noon in the theatre
Plant Walk at 1:00pm
Bannock Bake at 2:00pm
Aboriginal Games begin at noon and 1:30pm
Canoe Adventure – select times during the day
For more information visit: www.oakhammockmarsh.ca

Selkirk Avenue Committee, Inc.
Thursday, June 21, 2012

Indian & Métis Friendship Centre, 45 Robinson Street
10:00am to 4:00pm – Free admission and food
Career Fair
Aboriginal Idol Contest
Aboriginal Artist Market
Children’s Entertainment

For more information contact: Clayton Sandy: clayton.sandy@gov.mb.ca
To volunteer contact: Sandy Cairns: scairns2@hsc.mb.ca

West Broadway Community Services Inc.
Thursday, June 21, 2012

Join us as Two-Spirit people celebrate National Aboriginal Day in the heart of Winnipeg. Two-Spirit artists will share their music, films, dance, and art.
Place: West Broadway Community Services Inc., 222 Furby Street
Time: 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

APTN’s Aboriginal Day Live & Celebration At The Forks, Scotiabank Stage
Saturday, June 23, 2012 (Free, all ages)

Celebrations begin at 11:00am
Live Concert begins at 8:00pm
Fireworks at 11:00pm (weather permitting)

People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend this event. Bring a lawn chair if you feel like having your own seat. Co-hosts for Aboriginal Day Live are APTN personalities Don Kelly (Fish Out of Water), Candy Palmater (The Candy Show) and Chantelle (Upload).

In addition to the concert, The Forks will be the site of a full day of family-friendly events, including an artisans’ village, traditional music and dance performances, live art installations, storytelling, and traditional and non-traditional food.

*Last year’s Aboriginal Day Live drew more than 30,000 visitors to The Forks, making it the largest such celebration in the country.