National Aboriginal Day

On June 21, hundreds of people from Treaty 4 territory, as far as Manitoba and Alberta, joined for Yorkton Tribal Council’s National Aboriginal Day celebrations. At the Painted Hand Casino, both indoors and outside, people enjoyed food, entertainment, and games. The celebrations expand each year, since the Governor General first officially recognized June 21, the day of the Summer Solstice, in 1996. This year the draws included a free pancake breakfast, a bannock baking contest, children’s face painting and fun games, a free barbecue lunch, a tipi raising, and live performances. Entertainment in the evening featured a concert with aboriginal country artist, Jerry Sereda followed by a dance with the Midnite Mist Band. The skill and endurance of aboriginal drumming and singing that played during many pow wow dances impressed audiences throughout the day. Allan Bird, a member of the Yorkton Tribal Council, has helped organize the event for three years. “I think, overall, for National Aboriginal Day, we are here to be good hosts for our fellow people of the circle. The yellow, the black, the white, the red, to live together in harmony,” he said. By Chelsea Laskowski Staff Writer