Fun Ways to Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in Manitoba

June 16, 2022

We're halfway through June and National Indigenous Peoples Day is right around the corner. Here are some ways you can celebrate with the Red River Métis.

National Indigenous Peoples Day (known as National Aboriginal Day until 2017) was first celebrated in 1996 as a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada. This holiday takes place on Tuesday, June 21, which is the summer solstice (the longest day of the year).

We're halfway through June and National Indigenous Peoples Day is right around the corner. Here are some ways you can celebrate with the Red River Métis:

1. Memorial Hall, Selkirk - Interlake Region

Bring your dancing shoes and a lawn chair down to Memorial Hall in Selkirk for the Interlake Region's National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on June 21! A pancake breakfast kicks off the event from 9-11 am After breakfast, guests are encouraged to take in the opening ceremonies, emceed by Keith Ginther and Kyra De La Ronde, followed by hours of entertainment. The House Band (featuring Tom Dutiaume, Paul Hampton, Leroy Constant, and Keith Dutiaume) will be sure to keep your feet tapping throughout the day. Other acts include Morgan Grace, the Norman Chief Memorial Dancers, Jason Lepine, and many more. Hot dogs and hamburgers will also be served from 1-7 pm.

2. Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre, Swan River - Northwest Region

The festivities kick off on June 21 with a 5-7 am Sunrise Ceremony, followed by a pancake breakfast from 7-9 am Starting at 6 pm, the Friendship Centre is hosting free entertainment, with square dancing, traditional dancers, and a beading and fur showcase. There will also be bannock on a stick available, as well as a $5 stew and bannock supper. The event wraps up at 8 pm.

3. Dauphin - Northwest Region

The Northwest Métis Council and the Fort Dauphin Museum are offering multiple ways to celebrate in Dauphin on Saturday, June 18.

The Métis Community Centre is hosting a free hamburger and hot dog lunch from 10 am to 4 pm Minister Frances Chartrand, Vice-President; Minister Richard Genaille, and other dignitaries are set to provide greetings. There will also be live entertainment and a silent auction.

The Fort Dauphin Museum is also hosting festivities from 1-4 pm. The event features horse and wagon rides, a trading post, games, and cultural displays.

4. Winnipegosis - Northwest Region

The Little Muddy Waters Métis Local, in partnership with the Northwest Métis Council and Heritage Canada, is hosting a free event at the Winnipegosis Youth Centre on June 21. The festivities, emceed by Minister Richard Genaille, start at 3 pm with an opening prayer and welcoming remarks, followed by a community feast of stew, bannock, and cake. Eldon Campbell, Butch Fleury, and Colton McLeod will be handling the entertainment alongside square dancing and Métis jigging. There will also be kids' games, a silent auction, and the evening will conclude with fireworks at dusk.

5. Roblin - Northwest Region

The Roblin Métis Local National Indigenous Peoples Day event on June 21 features Métis artisans, demonstrations, and live entertainment from 6-9 pm at Currey Park. There will also be a free bannock and stew meal. Admission to this event is free!

Visit the MMF website at mmf.mb.ca as well as our social media pages as more National Indigenous Peoples Day events are announced.

 

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