Aamjiwnaang First Nation is gearing up to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, also known as Solidarity Day, on Friday June 21.
Solidarity Day is held annually to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of the nation’s Indigenous peoples.
The day starts with a Sunrise Ceremony at 7 a.m. followed by a community breakfast from 8 a.m. to-10 a.m., hosted by the Chief and Council.
“We have a number of events throughout the day, located at Bear Park,” said Jamie Maness, Community Services Coordinator for Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
A Youth Catch and Release Fishing Derby kicks off at 10:30 a.m. and runs until noon. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. family-friendly games, community bingo, a dunk tank, face painting, inflatables and more are happening throughout Bear Park and at The Maawn Doosh Gumig Community Centre.
A community BBQ starts at 4:30 p.m. with more games, including a baseball scrimmage open to anyone 16 years or older.
At 7:30 p.m. things will shift over to the baseball diamond behind [The Maawn Doosh Gumig] Community Centre for continued celebrations.
“We’re going to have some open mic, some karaoke and then we’re celebrating our fireworks right after that,” Maness said.
Fireworks are currently scheduled for 10 p.m. and are subject to change, weather permitting.
All events are drug and alcohol free spaces.