Year of the Metis Nation will be the theme when National Aboriginal Day is marked June 21 in Thunder Bay.
The Thunder Bay National Aboriginal Day Committee plan to celebrate the invaluable contributions of the Métis Nation which have enriched the lives of all Canadians, according to a release.
"National Aboriginal Day an important day for all Canadians," said Stephanie Feletto, chairwoman of the committee. "It is an occasion for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to express their deep pride in their heritage and accomplishments.
"Of course, it is also a chance for all of us to have fun and enjoy ourselves as we are treated to displays of traditional games, songs, dance and other Aboriginal cultural activities."
Wendy Landry, local council president of the Métis Nation of Ontario, hopes to see many faces on Aboriginal Day.
"We are fortunate to play a continuing role in organizing and supporting events across the country," she said. "I encourage each of you to take this opportunity to participate in as many activities as possible to help celebrate the history and culture of Métis, First Nations, and Inuit people."
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the end of the Northwest Rebellion in Saskatchewan and the death of Louis Riel in 1885.
The committee is hoping community groups, arts organizations and cultural leaders will host participating school groups to take part in scheduled activities leading up to June 21.
When I was a boy growing up in my home community of Attawapiskat on the James Bay coast, I was deathly afraid of looking at the full moon.



When I was a boy growing up in my home community of Attawapiskat on the James Bay coast, I was deathly afraid of looking at the full moon.
I grew up...
I’m happy to see the ongoing support and assistance in our northern remote communities to help our people cope with so many lifelong and generational issues...