The Society participated in National Aboriginal Day events in conjunction with our members’ three largest employers.
National Aboriginal Day is marked annually on June 21. The date coincides with the summer solstice, which is a time many Aboriginal people traditionally celebrate their heritage.
Society Executive Vice President Policy, Michelle Johnston, attended the celebrations hosted by Hydro One where they recognized 10 outstanding students selected for the Leonard S. (Tony) Mandamin Scholarship. The scholarship, named in recognition of the Honourable Justice Leonard S. (Tony) Mandamin, is granted annually to First Nations, Métis and Inuit post-secondary students.
Bruce Power welcomed community members of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation to celebrate Aboriginal Day with employees through traditional dancing, drumming, art, culture and food.
Finally, OPG hosted their recognition of National Aboriginal Day with indigenous elders, dancers, artisans and crafters. Participants were also treated to bison burgers. It was a well-attended event and The Society would like to give thanks to Pat Oakes and the OPG Native Circle for coordinating the event.
The Assembly of First Nations began calling for the creation of a day to celebrate Aboriginal culture in 1982. In 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the establishment of National Aboriginal Day. National Aboriginal Day was first proclaimed in 1996.
