National Aboriginal Day 2011

June 21st is National Aboriginal Day in Canada and with it comes a host of activities, celebrations, and experiences from coast to coast, to coast. Tomorrow kicks off an 11-day campaign that will span Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and concludes with Canada Day (July 1). Here are just a few ways to join in on the festivities.

Master Carver Richard Krentz poses with his piece that now has a permanent home in Stanley Park

Klahowya Village
Stanley Park’s farmyard and miniature railway area have once again been transformed into Klahowya Village this summer. The area, where admission is $5, hosts artisans, storytellers, artists, carvers, dancers, drummers, and food vendors. The village will open at 10:00am tomorrow and the Spirit Catcher Train will be running as well (tickets are available from the train station).

Trout Lake
East Vancouver is hosting a full day of activities from a pancake breakfast at 1607 Hastings to a buffalo burger lunch in the park. The breakfast runs 9:00am to 11:00am, then there’s a march up to Trout Lake from 11:00am to 12:00pm. That will be followed by a festival at Trout Lake until 5:00pm with entertainment, vendors, arts & crafts, sports demonstrations, and more.

Vancouver Indigenous Media Arts Festival – Kickstarter
W2 Media Cafe hosts the Vancouver Indigenous Media Arts Festival Kickstarter event from 7:00pm until 10:00pm where four films will be screened. There will be refreshments and tickets will be available at the door for a donation of $5 or $10 to the VIMAF.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
One of my favourite places to listen, discover, and learn in Whistler is the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Tomorrow they’ll be hosting a traditional pole blessing (at Whistler Olympic Plaza) at 10:00am followed by an art show back at the cultural centre along with performances and a summer BBQ. Admission will be by donation.

At any time of year, check out the following to learn about and appreciate our country’s history, heritage, First Nations culture, and explore amazing artifacts and artwork.

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Website, Twitter, Facebook, my post
Museum of Anthropology
Website, Twitter, Facebook, my post

If I’m missing an event taking place in your community, please feel free to leave a note about it in the comments.