Canada’s aboriginals celebrated

Celebrations in communities across the country gathered today to honour the many rich traditions and contributions of Canada’s aboriginal people.

Celebrations for national aboriginal day got underway at around 11:00 this morning at Gage Park and wrapped up shortly before 6:00 this evening. There was a steady stream of people all day and the weather was perfect for the event, which really showcased the aboriginal community in our area.

The steady beat of drums filled the air at Gage Park in Hamilton, drawing in a large crowd to celebrate this year’s National Aboriginal Day.

“It’s very important to us, it’s our tie into who we are as a people. It allows for the urban aboriginal community to come together and take part,” said Yvonne Maracle, and event organizer.

“The hope and the goal is to bring more awareness to the aboriginal culture within the Hamilton community. We invite people of all cultures to come and join in and learn about our traditions and teachings,” said Chrystal Powless, who was also helping organize the event.

Numerous vendors are set up, with items like handmade jewellery and moccasins, giving people a chance to explore the different facets of the aboriginal community.

“I’m proud to see my people. When I see all the different people coming together and see them dance, it just gives me Goosebumps down my back to be able to see and feel our people doing what they’ve done for centuries,” said Kathy Smoke, a vendor.

This is the 18th annual celebration of National Aboriginal Day across Canada. Here in Hamilton, organizers say the event gets bigger and bigger each year which is great news considering there are an estimated 17,000 aboriginals living in and around the hamilton area.

The event honours traditions through song and dance…with different generations taking part in the festivities.

“We teach our children to carry on our tradition so that we dont lose it, whether it’s our dancing, our culture, our beliefs, so it’s never lost,” said John Sherry, a male dancer.

And the younger generation is listening.

“It means a lot to me because it’s…that’s my background, so it makes me feel happy and outgoing and stuff like that,” said Jasmine Flagg, a youth dancer.

“It gives me pride on who i am and what my culture is,” said Trenton Restoule, a junior male dancer.

Making sure the beat is passed on and continues for generations to come.

Not only is it National Aboriginal Day, but it’s also National Aboriginal History Month. Back in June of 2009, it was declared as such, following a unanimous motion in the House of Commons.