City of Winnipeg employees celebrate National Aboriginal Day

Released: June 21, 2017 at 9:15 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB - Today, City of Winnipeg employees will celebrate National Aboriginal Day in the City Hall courtyard. National Aboriginal Day recognizes and honours the cultures of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.

“National Aboriginal Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy of Canada’s Indigenous people as well as their rich cultural traditions that form the essence of our city,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “As Winnipeg continues its journey of reconciliation, I encourage everyone to recognize diversity, honour the truth, and reconcile for the future.”

The City’s National Aboriginal Day celebration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a welcoming prayer and smudge ceremony by Elder Madeline Mousseau, followed by greetings from dignitaries. Festivities will include a variety of Indigenous dance, music, and visual art performers.

The City of Winnipeg continuously strives to further strengthen relations with Indigenous peoples and build an inclusive, diverse community. The City has committed to enhancing Indigenous relations through the following:

  • The signing of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord on June 20, 2017;
  • Mayor Bowman’s declaration of 2016 as the Year of Reconciliation;
  • The implementation of the five Truth and Reconciliation calls to action relating to Municipalities in 2016;
  • The creation of the Indigenous Garden at City Hall in 2016;
  • The creation of a Smudging Standard which allows for traditional ceremonies such as smudging to occur in City facilities;
  • The creation of the Mayor’s Indigenous Advisory Circle in 2015;
  • The creation of the Indigenous Relations Division in 2013;
  • The signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration with the Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada in 2010;
  • City Council’s adoption of Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak, the City of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Youth Strategy in 2008; and
  • The establishment of the Aboriginal Employee Group in 2002.

For more information about the City’s initiatives, please visit City of Winnipeg - Indigenous Relations Division.
Canada’s National Aboriginal Day is held every year on June 21. It is a day for our nation to acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Many Indigenous communities have celebrated their culture around this time of year due to the significance of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

To learn more about Canada’s National Aboriginal Day, please visit the Government of Canada - National Aboriginal Day.

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