Here's where Manitobans can celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day
From street festivals to teepee building for kids, events honour First Nations, Métis, Inuit culture
There are a range of events happening on and ahead of this weekend welcoming Manitobans to celebrate the cultural traditions, heritage and stories of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, as part of National Indigenous Peoples Day, observed every June 21.
Most programming happens on Saturday — from a rooftop musical exhibition at the Winnipeg Art Gallery in Winnipeg to a slate of activities at Brandon's Riverbank Discovery Centre, a street festival in The Pas and much more.
Several events in Winnipeg kick things off a day early on Friday, including a sacred fire and pipe ceremony at the University of Manitoba's Mashkiki Gitigaan Medicine Garden at 9 a.m. (or Joe Doupe Concourse in the event of rain). That's followed by a feast at the Brodie Atrium at 11 a.m. on campus, where visitors can take in a variety of vendors, as well as a ceremony recognizing the Indigenous campus community in the afternoon.
Also on Friday is a National Indigenous Peoples Day market put on by Shared Health, which co-ordinates health-care delivery in the province. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the William Avenue Mall at the Health Sciences Centre.
Circles for Reconciliation is hosting a free barbecue, children's games, a market, a talking circle and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday at Sergeant Tommy Prince Place (90 Sinclair St.).
On Saturday, The Forks launches "Many Nations, One Heartbeat," which includes 11 days of free, family-friendly cultural and community programming that wraps on Canada Day, July 1.
The Manitoba Children's Museum has Indigenous storytelling times, teepee building and more.
The WAG-Qaumajuq rooftop event runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and includes artists from the Prairies showcasing collaborative hip hop and R&B music. It marks the end of the gallery's Threads of Kin and Belonging: A Trinnipeg Live Mixtape Project, an exhibit celebrating Indigenous and Black voices that kicked off during Black History Month.
The Saint-Joseph Métis National Union of Manitoba and Festival du Voyageur host the annual Métis picnic at Fort Gibraltar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Winnipeg Goldeyes fans will be treated to live entertainment celebrating Indigenous culture before and during the game Saturday at Blue Cross Park. About 400 people displaced from ongoing wildfires will get free admission and food vouchers, thanks to a Manitoba Blue Cross donation, the team says.
Waterways, an Indigenous-led non-profit, is taking members of the public out on the water for a free paddle from the St. Vital boat launch to the Manitoba Canoe and Kayak Club. It ends with a barbecue at the club, a plant walk and music. Spots are limited and registration is required.
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Beyond Winnipeg, people in southwestern Manitoba can catch a full day of events at the Riverbank Discovery Centre in Brandon on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m., including a powwow demo, a puppet show, a talent show, live musical performances and a range of other activities for all ages.
Waywayseecappo First Nation, northwest of Brandon, is hosting a powwow at 1 p.m.
In the Interlake region, the Manitoba Métis Federation's Selkirk chapter is hosting events in Selkirk Park, also starting with a pancake breakfast. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. there will be food, a Red River Métis market, a family tent and live entertainment.
Gimli is hosting an afternoon of programming from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gimli Park Pavilion, with free bannock and refreshments.
In northern Manitoba, Thompson has an early morning (4:45 a.m.) pipe ceremony Saturday followed by a pancake breakfast, hot dog lunch, teepee teachings, karaoke — and an air band competition with cash prices for the top three finishers.
The Pas Friendship Centre is holding a street festival starting at noon with traditional dancing and drumming, Métis fiddlers, local performers and youth activities.
And events continue in Winnipeg on Sunday, as the Manitoba Museum hosts a bead-a-thon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Assiniboine Park will feature a powwow, food trucks, workshops and music from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.