Cultural celebration

Dan Calmwind wanted to celebrate Aboriginal culture.

He also had an itch for a bannock burger.

Lucky for him, the 28-year-old Big Trout Lake man’s mother dragged him out of work and brought him to the National Aboriginal Day celebration at Fort William Historical Park Tuesday where Calmwind could do both. He said everything about the day is wonderful.

"Lots of people, good food, I love a bannock burger," he said. "It’s the greatest day to come outside."

It’s also a chance for Calmwind to get in touch with his heritage. While Calmwind said he understands his culture well, it’s nice to see Aboriginal culture celebrated.

"It’s interesting to me. I am a native person so I like to inherit some native roots.”

With this year’s celebration focusing on youth, 16-year-old St. Patrick’s High School student Michelle Whiddon said it’s important for teens and young children to get involved.

"If the youth come out, then all the little children will see and then maybe they’ll start dancing and whatnot too and then we’ll keep everything going," Whiddon said.

"A lot of the children these days only care about certain things, mostly electronics, so if we can get a lot of the little kids and maybe more of the youth participating in things like this it will be better."

National Aboriginal Day Thunder Bay Committee co-chair Cindy Crowe said that’s exactly what today is about, getting youth involved.

"Aboriginal people always plan for seven generations so it’s extremely important for the young people to be involved in this. They need to receive their teachings so they can continue carrying those teachings forward and also bring it to all of the public in general."

The celebration began with a sunrise ceremony. It will last until around 9 pm. Crowe said. Dancing, games, contests and entertainment are just a few of the activities on tap for the day.