National Aboriginal Day, June 21, is an official day of celebration that recognizes and honours the valuable contributions to Canadian society by Canada's First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples.
In 1982 the Assembly of First Nations first suggested establishing "National Aboriginal Solidarity Day" as a day of recognition. In 1995, The Sacred Assembly of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal spiritual leaders encouraged the federal government to establish National First Peoples Day as a day of unity and acknowledgement. This led to the proclamation of National Aboriginal Day on June 13, 1996 by the Governor General. Later that month the first National Aboriginal Day was celebrated June 21.
National Aboriginal Day is the same day as the summer solstice (the longest day of the year) and was chosen for its important symbolism to many aboriginal people.
Across Canada the day is marked by ceremonies and celebrations that highlight cultural performers and activities, displays of arts and crafts, and events that recognize the contributions by aboriginal people
In 2007 a committee was developed in the Battlefords with representatives from several local First Nation organizations to honour and celebrate National Aboriginal Day.
This committee then scheduled a week-long celebration with different events hosted each day of the week.
Battle River Treaty 6 Health Center, then BTC Indian Health Services, was honoured to kick start the week by hosting the first (now annual) pancake breakfast. Approximately 1,000 people attended the first year.
Guests had the opportunity to sample traditional foods served in a contemporary fashion, such as bison sausages and saskatoon berry pancakes.
Guests also had the opportunity to witness, some for the first time, a First Nation powwow cultural celebration with a grand entry, dancers, hoop dancers and drummers. Considerable local aboriginal talent was showcased on stage throughout the morning.
We have continued to host the pancake breakfast with the exception of 2010.
We also had to move the breakfast indoors to the Agrivilla at the exhibition grounds in 2012 due to rain. This remains our contingency plan for poor weather.
Last year our attendance of more than 1,500 people exceeded our prediction but everyone was served a delicious breakfast.
