Cities see big crowds for Aboriginal Day

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Across the province, thousands of people took part in Aboriginal Day celebrations on June 21 and during the week leading up to the special day. From small, quiet lunches to an attempt to organize the world's largest round dance, the activities varied depending on the location. In Alberta's two largest cities, the activities leading up to the specially designated day drew more crowds than seen in the previous two years the event has been held.

In Edmonton, they almost broke a record at the Alberta Legislature. . . Almost, but not quite.

National Aboriginal Day organizers needed 2,000 souls to sign in and take part in a giant round dance on June 21; expected to be the largest in the world. When the dust had settled, however, event co-ordinator Jane Woodward said they were about 500 people short for a mention in the next Guinness Book of World Records.

Although rough estimates put the attendance at more than 2,000 people, many people were busy sampling foods or taking in some performances and may have forgotten to sign in, but Woodward wasn't too disheartened. After all, she said, who can be disappointed when that many people come to an event.

"With that to build on," said Woodward, "next year could be even better."

The record attempt was just one part of a weekend of activities put on to honor Canada's Aboriginal people during the third annual National Aboriginal Day in Edmonton.

The celebrations began in Canada Place, Edmonton's downtown federal building, with a color guard of Aboriginal veterans, and a grand entry including Elders Delia Gray and Ken Saddleback, Metis Nation President Audrey Poitras, Mayor Bill Smith, and a number of other dignitaries. A variety of performers entertained throughout the day, including the Hay River Dene Drummers, the Aklavik Delta Drummers, the Canadian Native Friendship Centre Junior Reelers, fiddler Homer Poitras and powwow dancers. Following the Canada Place kick-off, the friendship centre hosted a round dance, more entertainment and feast.

More performers entertained for the crowds the following two days at the Provincial Museum of Alberta and at the legislative grounds. The performers included traditional flutist Amanda Woodward, Mother Earth traditional performers, the rap group War Party, comedian Don Burnstick, Dancing Thunder Theatre, Q-Jib, Donita and Debbie, and fashions by The Blue Butterfly and Entente.

At the legislative grounds, an open stage area was hosted by John Waniandy. Throughout the weekend, children were treated to storytelling, mural paintings, the Metis and Indian villages and the food booths. A drama production by Big Sky Theatre rounded out the entertainment.

During the almost-record-breaking round dance, a hawk release ceremony was held to cap off the weekend of activities.

Heritage Canada staff member Val Kaufman, expressed her pleasure with the event but voiced some disappointment that there were not more non-Aboriginal people present. She said she hopes next year might be different and attract more non-Natives to help assist in bridging the gap of awareness and understanding between the two cultures.

In Calgary, events took place for an entire week to celebrate Native Awareness Week and National Aboriginal Day.

From June 15 to 21, Calgary was brimming with events for Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people alike.

The events were hosted by the Calgary Aboriginal Awareness Society and the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee.

The society celebrated its 10th annual Native Awareness Week and the committee hosted Aboriginal Day at city hall.

It rained on the awareness week opening ceremony held at Olympic Park but didn't dampen the spirits of Carol Carpenter, society program director. She was pleased with the attendance at the ceremonies, art exhibitions and events held in the city.

"It was excellent," Carpenter said. "I think it was our best ever."

Events included a children's fashion show held at Stephen's Avenue Mall, Elders panel discussion, bannock cook-offs, a talent show, and a powwow.

"We had a lot of calls into the office from non-Aboriginal people wanting to know all about the events," Carpenter said, adding that the week showcased the vitality and the vibrancy of the Aboriginal community and hopefully will help remove stereotypes. "It's more than just beads and feathers," she said.

Calgary Mayor Al Duerr helped celebrate Aboriginal Day on June 19 at city hall along with Siksika Nation Chief Darlene Yellow Old Woman and Tom Jackson.

"We recognize there are a series of ongoing challenges in bridging the gap and creating a greater awareness," Duerr said. "When we look at the challenges, I see those challenges as tremendous opportunities. "Do we have a long way to go? Yes we do. I'd be the first to admit that, but are we making strides together? I think the answer would have to be a resounding, 'Yes.'"

Calgary's Aboriginal urban affairs member John Dempsey was pleased with the co-operation and team-work at this year's celebrations.

"This year with the support of the Mount Royal College Native student society, Treaty Seven Tribal Council, the Indian Resource Council and Indian Oil and Gas Canada, we decided to put a good local celebration together," Dempsey said. "We plan on doing it every year now."

Inside the city hall atrium, spectators were treated to a grand entry led by the chief and the Mayor, dance exhibitions by a family dance troupe, a hoop dancer and handicraft tables.

Later that night, the Calgary Native Friendship Center powwow saw well over 500 people attend. Some came from as far away as Germany.

The week ended with a Sacred Day of Prayer at Nose Hill Park on June 21 to commemorate Aboriginal Day.