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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, June 13, 2012
TIMMINS CELEBRATES NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY
TIMMINS, ON: National Aboriginal Day will be celebrated on Thursday, June 21, 2012, also known as Summer Solstice which marks the first day of summer. This day is for all Canadians to celebrate the cultures and Canadian contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. This celebration is intended to more widely recognize Aboriginal peoples and their vital place within Canada and the City of Timmins.
The day begins at 5:00am with a Sunrise Ceremony, at the Hollinger Park Pavilion conducted by Elder David Faries. A family breakfast is sponsored by Misiway Milopemahtesewin Community Health Centre between 8:00am-10:00am (130 Wilson, Timmins). Opening ceremonies start at 12:00pm.
Mayor Tom Laughren and MPP Gilles Bisson will kick start the day with opening remarks. Confirmed guests include Chief of Police John Gauthier, Timmins Police Service Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Timmins Aboriginal Organizations Committee, community members and local organizations.
Activities commence at 12:30pm - 4:00pm, they include children's games, face painting, fish pond and Traditional drumming and dancing. The evening will open with Live Entertainment from local Aboriginal performers at 7:00pm - 9:00pm.
Mayor Tom Laughren will be in attendance at the Sunrise Ceremony saying "Timmins is a multicultural mosaic deeply rooted in European and Aboriginal cultures and every year we celebrate the best in culture, music, and the arts. National Aboriginal Day is a special day for all of our residents. It's a time of year where we come together to share in our history while understanding the rich Aboriginal culture and traditions that are so much a part of our lives. To all of our Aboriginal friends, and on behalf of Council and the residents of Timmins, I wish you a successful National Aboriginal Day and I thank you for sharing with us, this wonderful culture."
Timmins Police Chief, John Gauthier says, "National Aboriginal Day allows for us all to celebrate with some very important members of our community. It's an opportunity to learn the customs, traditions and beliefs of the Aboriginal people and recognize the important and significant contributions that they have made towards the development of our nation."
Timmins-James Bay, MPP Gilles Bisson says celebrating aboriginal culture is one of the summer highlights for our community. "I have worked very closely with our First Nations friends and have found them to be very warm and inviting. National Aboriginal Day is an opportunity to showcase all that is unique and special within native heritage and culture. I wish all the best for success and celebration on this day."
Timmins-James Bay, MP Charlie Angus says First Nations people have contributed greatly to the cultural fabric of our communities. "Their appreciation and respect for the land, wildlife and environment is unparalleled. We can all learn from their devotion to tradition, family and simplicity. I welcome everyone to Timmins and hope you will spend the day with family and friends absorbing all the sights and sounds this day will showcase."
The event is free and all are welcome to join in the festivities. For more information contact Alice Sutherland at 705-268-6262, ext. 235 or by emailing at asutherland@tnfc.ca.
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Media Contact:
Alice Sutherland
Aboriginal Healing & Wellness Program Coordinator
Timmins Native Friendship Centre
Email: asutherland@tnfc.ca
Phone: (705) 268-6262 ext: 235
Fax: (705) 268-6266
