Concerts, crafts, food, ceremonies planned across Manitoba for National Indigenous Peoples Day

Manitoba is home to Cree, Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene, Mtisand Inuit, and June 21 is when everyone is urged tocelebrate and learn about those who were first in this province.

NationalIndigenousPeoplesDaywilltakeplace as the summer solstice arrives, bringing thelongest day of the year and the opportunity to look thousands of years back on our history.

CBC TVandCBC Gemwillbroadcastand streama selection of Indigenous-led documentaries, films and series throughout the day and late night on June 21.

There are also a number of local ways to get out in the community and experience the rich diversity of First Nations, Mtis and Inuit peoplefor yourself.

Winnipeg

• Nistumee Neepinee Keesikow

Head to the Exchange District for free family-friendly events, including live music from 20 Indigenous acts, food vendors and crafts by Indigenous artisans.

Presented by Indigenous Music, theNistumee Neepinee KeesikowConcert takes place at the Cube.Nistumee Neepinee Keesikow means first day of summerin the Swampy Cree dialect.

The full lineup and schedule for the concert series can be seen on the Indigenous Music website or the link above.

• Mashkiki Gitigaan Medicine Garden

The University of Manitoba's Rady Faculty of Health Sciences is hosting an event at the Mashkiki Gitigaan Medicine Garden near 745 Bannatyne Ave.

It begins at 7 a.m. with lighting a sacred fire and then a7:30 a.m. pipe ceremony. The formal program begins at 10:30 a.m. with an opening prayer and honour song.

Summer solstice and elder teachings will take place, along with remarks from various dignitaries, includingDr. Marcia Anderson, vice-dean ofIndigenous health, social justice and anti-racism.

• WAG concert

The Winnipeg Art Gallery is hosting a concert from7-11 p.m., featuring Fawn Wood, IVA, Uyaraqk, 2oolmanand Leonard Sumner, along with a special surprise guest.

The performances are happening at different times throughout the WAG-Qaumajuq, including in the the skylight and Ilipvik galleries, as well as on the rooftop.

Attendance is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Regular admission rates apply to all butIndigenous people, who always have free entrance to the galleries.

Brandon

A full day of entertainment and displays is on tapwith a teepeevillage, cultural and heritage displays, an Indigenous crafters' market, on-stage entertainment, including powwow demonstrations, square dancers, traditional drummers,throat singers andMtis entertainers, and food.

Akids zone features traditional and modern games and crafts.

Thompson

Celebrate traditional dancing, songs, art and food at MacLean Park.

TheMKO National Indigenous Peoples Day planning committee has scheduled a "fun-filled day for the whole family" withopportunitiesto learn more about Indigenous people and their contributions to Canada.

A sunrise ceremony begins at4:45 a.m., followed by a pancake and sausage breakfast at 9a.m.

The day's activities include a dunk tank,kids' activities and a bouncy house,powwow demonstration, craft tables andteepees showcasing the cultural aspect of Indigenous people.

Free hotdogs will be served at noon.

Manitoba Mtis Federation events

• Roblin,Currey Park

Live entertainment, artisans and demonstrations to celebrateMtisculture will be heldfrom6-9 p.m.

Admission is free and includes a bannock and stew supper.

• Winnipegosis, youth centre

An opening prayer at 3 p.m. kicks off a full slate of events, including acommunity feast with stew, bannock and cake.

The day includes square dancing and jigging,kids' games, a silent auction and a 50-50 draw. It allwraps up with fireworks at dark.

• Dauphin, MtisCommunity Centre

Events include music, dancing, a silent auction and a free hamburger or hotdog lunch.

Activities startat 10 a.m. with greetings from dignitaries and wrapup at 4 p.m.

• Dauphin,Fort Dauphin Historical Museum

An afternoonof games and activities takes place from 1-4 p.m.

Activities include a horseshoe toss, slingshot accuracy, a three-legged race, a tug of war, bannock making, sash weaving, jigging, beading, fur and pelt displays, horse and wagon rides and more.

• Swan River,Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre

The day begins with a 5 a.m. sunrise ceremony, followed by a free pancake breakfast.

Live music, traditional dancing, bannock on a stick, a beading and fur showcaseand $5 stew and bannock will be featured through the day.

• Selkirk, Memorial Hall

Breakfast will be servedfrom 9-11 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies from 11 a.m.-noon.

The rest of the day's events run from 1-7 p.m., includinga day full of music. Hotdogs and hamburgers will also be available.