National Aboriginal Day celebrations in La Ronge

National Aboriginal Day was first proclaimed and celebrated throughout Canada on June 21, 1996. Aboriginal Day is celebrated annually to commemorate the many contributions Aboriginal People (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) have made throughout Canada, both historically and present day. June 21st is a significant date; it marks the coming of summer (summer solstice), which has always been symbolic to Aboriginals. Many communities in Canada celebrate National Aboriginal Day in there own unique way, but there is one underlying common goal each shares, which is celebrating Aboriginal culture and heritage.



Aboriginal Day in La Ronge was hosted by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in conjunction with Kikinahk Friendship Centre. The day was full of excitement and activities, as the children of La Ronge took part in a parade entitled "We Are The Future". The parade began at the town beach, where the children made their way up La Ronge Avenue towards the rendezvous point at Morin's Hill Beach on Kitsaki Reserve. There they greeted in song the Treaty Party travelling by canoe from La Ronge Beach to Morin's Hill Beach on Kitsaki Reserve.



The Treaty Party was comprised of provincial and municipal levels of government, as well as a number chiefs and councillors, and there were Metis representatives who came from all over the province to celebrate Aboriginal Day with us in La Ronge.



Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, along with councillors Pam Mirasty, Hillary Cook, and Doris Morin of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band prepare to make the voyage from the town beach to Morin's Hill. Also on hand the Lieutenant Governor Dr. Gordon L. Barnhardt, and RCMP Superintendent North District Commander Russell Mirasty.



Chief Tammy Cook-Searson displays the Lac La Ronge Indian Band flag as the Treaty Party travels from La Ronge Beach to Morin's Hill Beach, Kitsaki Reserve. This is the second year in a row that this voyage has been made; it is made to commemorate how our aboriginal ancestors use to make the same journey hundreds of years ago.



Members of the Treaty Party display the Metis and Canadian flags.