Events Celebrating Aboriginal Day

The Governor General took part in events as part of the Aboriginal Day Celebration organized by Odawa Native Friendship Centre in partnership with Dovercourt Recreation Centre and Aboriginal Experiences.

Guitarist and singer/songwriter Derek Miller is a journeyman musician with eclectic taste and a flair for roots inflected rock. Born on the Six Nations of the Grand River, Mohawk Territory, in Canada, Miller became interested in music in his early teens, and by the late ’90s was touring with iconic Canadian vocalist Buffy Sainte-Marie. He won Junos for his debut album, Music Is the Medicine, in 2003, and for his sophomore album, The Dirty Looks, in 2008.

Kathia Rock, an Innu from Maliotenam, gives voice to a theatrical musical universe with poetic overtones. Her songs draw both on urban life and her own community. Her warm voice delivers melodies drawing upon her people's ancestral repertory and contemporary music. Kathia has taken part in many festivals in Europe and Canada. Among other achievements, she was a finalist at the Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée in 2007 and 2009.

Siqiniup Qilauta gives Inuit cultural performances that include: throat singing, drum dancing, games and traditional songs. The name of the group, Siqiniup Qilauta, roughly translates to ‘The Sun's Drum,’ which was influenced by an Inuit legend about the sun. When the sun has a complete halo around it, it indicates good luck and the halo represents a drum.

The very talented 11-year-old singer from Saskatchewan sang “Bringing People Together.” In 2010, Sebastian performed at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards with Heaven & Briley Waskewitch.

Mr. Charles Bender and Ms. Waneek Horn-Miller were the Emcees for the evening.

"Music has a remarkable ability to transcend borders and divisions—I sometimes refer to this as the diplomacy of music. This concert is a wonderful means of sharing Aboriginal music and culture with all Canadians, and I want to thank the musicians for being here tonight and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network for making this event possible."

Algonquin Elder St-Georges said a prayer to begin the event.

During the evening, Their Excellencies hosted a concert organized in partnership with APTN in celebration of National Aboriginal Day.

In partnership with parents and the community, the Ottawa Inuit Children's Centre fosters strong Inuit children, youth and families by providing a learning environment that will enhance children’s overall well-being, adaptability and strength in a proud Inuit cultural environment.

During that time, Her Excellency Sharon Johnston visited the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre.

Ms. Johnston visited the centre with two of her grandchildren who both enjoyed drumming.

A few children showed Her Excellency that they are talented throat singers!

Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre offers programs to Inuit children and youth from birth to 13 years of age and their families

“Sharon and I were eager to join Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples of all ages during various events in Ottawa to learn more and celebrate the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples,” said His Excellency. “I strongly believe that diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths. These events were a great opportunity to remind us that the story of Canada—one of diverse peoples, striving to live together—began with the Aboriginal experience.”

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston participated in cultural activities in celebration of National Aboriginal Day with Aboriginal groups and students in the Ottawa area.

The Governor General participated in games and demonstrations. He even learned a few dance steps!

He attended the opening ceremony before visiting cultural booths throughout the site.

Born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Donny Parenteau—twice nominated for a Juno for Aboriginal Recording of the Year—refined his skills while touring with Neal McCoy for 12 years as his fiddle and specialty instrument player. Since Donny started his solo career, he has set the record for both the most nominations, with seven, and the most wins, at five, at the 2011 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards in Toronto. Donny also set the record for most nominations at the 2011 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards, with 11, and leads this year’s 2012 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards nominations with seven. He has received four Canadian Country Music Association Award nominations and 11 Aboriginal Peoples’ Choice Award nominations.