Celebrations will be underway across the province on Tuesday, June 21, in recognition of National Aboriginal Day, with First Nations, Métis and Inuit people showcasing their rich and diverse histories, cultures and achievements, says Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs Carolyn Bertram.
“National Aboriginal Day is a wonderful opportunity to share in the pride of our Island’s Aboriginal community. It’s a time to learn more about the culture and celebrate the heritage of Aboriginals,” said Minister Bertram.
To celebrate the day, a variety of events will take place throughout the province including drumming, dance, storytelling, cultural presentations and more. The Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI will hold Celebrate the Culture - Aboriginal Day festivities from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Shipyard Market in Summerside. The Native Council of Prince Edward Island is hosting its Annual Moccasin Walk at 9 a.m. on Tuesday beginning at the Farmers Market in Charlottetown. Following the walk, Aboriginal Day celebrations will commence at Victoria Park at 12 noon. Both events are free to the public and everyone is invited to attend.
In addition, today 13 individuals were presented a program certificate of completion for the first ever, Mi’kmaq of PEI presentation series. Approximately 40 people took part in this cultural awareness program over the past six months.
“I want to congratulate the many Islanders who participated in the Mi’kmaq of PEI presentation series,” said Minister Bertram. “This exciting new program gave advanced learning in the Mi’kmaq culture, and we were pleased to see so many Islanders participate.”
The Mi’kmaq of PEI program was put on in partnership between the provincial Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat and the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island. The program consisted of twelve one-hour sessions on the Mi’kmaq culture, including: Mi’kmaw Spirituality; Mi’kmaw Medicines; MCPEI Aboriginal Justice Program; Aboriginal Economy Pre-Contact to Today; Impact of Residential Schools and the Child Welfare System; Mi’kmaq Archaeology; Mi’kmaq History; Education; Mi’kmaq Identity; Duty to Consult Issues, band Governance and Land Claims; Mi’kmaq Land and Resource Use; and Mi’kmaq Health. Participants, who attended a minimum of six classes, were awarded a program certificate.
For more information on the Mi’kmaq Culture Certificate program, visit the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat website at www.gov.pe.ca/aboriginalaffairs.