Educating Our Educators (March 2011) - Algoma District School Board

National Aboriginal Day: June 21National Aboriginal Day is an annual nation-wide day for all Canadians to celebrate the cultures andcontributions made to Canada by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peopleNational Aboriginal Day was proclaimed in 1996 by former Governor General Romeo A. Leblanc. Prior to this date, itwas designated as National First Peoples Day (1995 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples). Requests to createJune 21 as National Aboriginal Solidarity were made by National Indian Brotherhood (now known as the Assembly ofFirst Nations) in 1982. June 21 was chosen because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice (first day ofsummer and longest day of the year) and because many Aboriginal groups mark this day as a time to celebrate theirheritage. Setting aside a national day of recognition and celebration for Aboriginal Peoples is part of the widerrecognition of Aboriginal Peoples' important place within the fabric of Canada and their ongoing contributions as FirstPeoples. As former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson said, "It is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate our respectand admiration for First Nations, for Inuit, for Métis, for the past, the present and the future.” National Aboriginal Dayevents are held across the country. For a detailed list of activities, or to get involved in organizing festivities in yourarea, visithttp://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nad/index_e.html or contact an Aboriginal community or organization near you, or thelocal Indian and Northern Affairs Canada office. Some possible ideas for school and youth are:Aboriginal guest speakerPartner with an on-reserve schoolArts and crafts display or workshop, Storyteller, Dancers and singersLearn a word, a phrase or a greeting in an Aboriginal languageTraditional or contemporary games, e.g., lacrosse, field hockeyField trips to significant Aboriginal sitesIdentify or learn about Aboriginal heroes/heroines in CanadaEducating Our Educators – Educating Our Aboriginal StudentsRevised March 201176