Our Native Source

Reader's Digest CanadaUpdated: Mar. 20, 2019

On June 21, all over Canada, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples will be celebrating the summer solstice. The rest of Canada will celebrate along with them, recognizing their important contributions to this country as part of National Aboriginal Day. For more on June as National Aboriginal History Month visit here.

Robbie Hicks in Ontario and Josh Palansky in British Columbia both sent in some great photos from past celebrations: the pow-wow Gathering of Nations in Toronto and Canada Day festivities at The Forks in Winnipeg. Enjoy!

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Grand Entrance

“In the ‘Grand Entrance,’ you can see songstress Buffy Sainte-Marie in the center of the flags,” writes Robbie.

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Canada Day

Josh Palansky attended Canada Day celebrations at The Forks in Winnipeg and captured this dancer in his ceremonial dress.

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Native Woman

Josh Palansky attended Canada Day celebrations at The Forks in Winnipeg, a historical place where the Red River and Assiniboine River meet, and snapped a photo of this woman in native dress.

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Colourful Assembly

It was Robbie’s first experience attending such a large festival. “My partner thought it would be interesting to me since I am of Cherokee Indian heritage,” shares Robbie.

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From all Nations

“It was so wonderful to see all the various dress and dance, hear the music and feel the pride these natives have for their heritage,” says Robbie.

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Dancing Boy

This young man was taking part in one of the dance competitions at the pow-wow in Toronto writes Robbie

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Beautiful Design

One of many of the beautiful costumes present at The Gathering of Nations pow-wow.

Originally Published: May 27, 2011