Friday, June 23, 2006
NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY JUNE 21, 2006
National Aboriginal Day
On June 21, 2006 history was made, as the Federal Government of Canada declared June 21 National Aboriginal Day. It marked the first time in Canada's history to Nationally celebrate the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada. The date June 21, previously known as Earth Day marked by the Summer Solstice, also rich in symbolism seemed a very fitting day to celebrate Aboriginal Culture. The celebration in Winnipeg took place at the Historical Forks, where the Red and Assiniboine River meet, also known as an ancient sacred Aboriginal Burial Ground. As we celebrated, I could almost hear the spirits of the past rejoicing, their spirits being released from the hardships suffered.
I am of Metis descent, which is a mixture of French Canadian and Aboriginal Canadian. It is so important for me to educate my children about their rich heritage and the important role Aboriginal Peoples have played in Canada's history...and also the hardships they have suffered, and how they are rising above.
The day was filled with activities, face painting, and entertainment. When we first arrived, we were entered the festival grounds where the main celebration was taking place. There was music, booths erected with handmade jewelery, dreamcatchers, drums, moccasins, and bear skins.
I was especially moved when we entered a tent where we were invited to make a lantern. Each lantern that was created would be released into the river after a ceremony being held by the river later that evening. A tea light would be placed into each lantern, and would symbolise the suffering and hardship endured by aboriginal students that were placed into residential schools. For three generations, aboriginal children were taken from the reserves and placed into the residential school system. They did not speak english, and experienced abuse and brutality while in the system. I know this to be so, as my father lived in a small French Canadian farming town, where french was the only language he spoke. When he was 13 years old, the English came into his community and the schools and imposed a law whereby English was to be the only language spoken, written and learned in the school system. The teachers and students used to have to hide their French text books whenever the truant officer would sneak around investigating whether the Schools were following the rules. They would quickly hide the French, and take out the English books whenever he would arrive. This happened in the 1960's...not so long ago. Making the lantern touched me deeply. I made one signifying the changing seasons. I wanted it to be symbolic of change, and renewal of life which occurs throughout the year. My two daughters made lanterns rich with feathers and red paint. They did a wonderful albeit messy job. The lanterns and the tealight were released into the water as a sign of releasing the spirits who had endured such hardships. This was very much the highlight of the day for me.
For my two girls, they enjoyed having their faces painted, and eating the many treats from the Sugar Express at the Forks. As you can imagine, they were running amok all hepped up on sugar. However, a great time was had by all, and the day ended with a Pow Wow and fireworks. The catch phrase "Je me souviens" summed up the day for me!
| posted by Warm Fuzzies at 10:47 AM
