APTN Aboriginal Day Live: Would You Choose Right or Left from the Middle? (Editorial, Video)

APTN’s Aboriginal Day Live & Celebration is in Winnipeg and Edmonton

The APTN family is putting the final touches in place for its 9^th annual Aboriginal Day Live & Celebration (ADL&C) on Saturday, June 20. It’s the largest celebration of its kind in the nation to recognize National Aboriginal Day!

As a Saskatchewanian, you have the opportunity to check out either celebration! This year, APTN will celebrate the beauty and diversity of our Peoples from The Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba and for the first time ever from – our twin stage – Louise McKinney Riverfront Park in Edmonton, Alberta!

Now, who doesn’t love a good road trip with friends or family? And if you do, which direction would you go?

The Winnipeg Celebration

If you choose right, APTN invites you to head down to The Forks. To welcome the longest day of the year, the Celebration Village opens at 11:00 a.m. and it’s free. It will be a day-long program of free family-friendly activities.

The APTN Kids Zone and the Qannik Bouncer are new and for all families to enjoy! The little ones will be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when they discover their own dedicated play space. It’s an animated and fun filled area where there will also be face painting, colouring, games and prizes, cultural crafts and much more.

At the hub of the Celebration Village is the Cultural Stage (formally known as the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Stage) and this is a place where people will gather for the amazing array of song and dance. Michael Hutchinson, Host of APTN National News, is a lively addition to the stage, and he will be emceeing!

For youth who are into sports, or want to pick up tips on skate boarding, the Skateboard Park & Competition hosted by Rhythm 104.7 FM will be off the hook. Or if you prefer to be a spectator of the beating of drums, fascinating dance and eye-popping regalia, the Aboriginal Day Competition Pow Wow – brought to you by APTN and Manito Ahbee Festival is not to be missed.

The Edmonton Celebration

If you choose left, APTN invites you to head down to Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. The Celebration Village opens at noon and it’s free. Again, it will be a day-long program of free family-friendly activities.

Music, dance and interactive performances, a pop-up market of hand-selected Aboriginal artisans and locally-sourced food trucks and vendors will be at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park.

But that’s not all.

There will also be children’s activities, traditional demonstrations and teachings at the Tipi Village presented by Poundmaker’s Lodge, and a sports area hosted by United Cycle. You can also follow APTN on Twitter and Instagram to find out more.

All that was just the day’s activities. What happens in the evening?

Aboriginal Day Live Concert

To welcome the setting sun is Aboriginal Day Live (ADL), a free evening concert featuring a stacked lineup of Indigenous superstars broadcast live – from the Winnipeg and Edmonton twin stages– to the nation!

Even if you can’t make it down for the day’s activities, come down for the concert. Don’t forget your lawn chair, beach chair or blanket if you feel like getting comfortable and taking a seat. Spirits will be lifted, souls will be moved, and toes and feet will be tapping to the beats all throughout the concert!

From the Winnipeg twin stage, award-winning actor, producer and so much more, Tina Keeper of Cashing In and another local Kyle Nobess of Mohawk Girls – team up as co-hosts for the Aboriginal Day Live concert. Performances this year include an Andy Desjarlis Tribute Performed by Patti Kusturok, Brett Kissel, Don Amero, Federal Lights, LightningCloud, marijosée, Mike Bone, and Shayne and Taylor May. The concert kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

From the Edmonton twin stage, APTN deluxe hosts Don Kelly of Fish Out of Water and Michelle Thrush of Blackstone team up as co-hosts. Performances include Crystal Shawanda, Derek Miller, George Canyon, Ghostkeeper, Leanne Goose, Murray Porter, Nathan Cunningham, Northern Cree Singers, and Prince Charles Elementary Fiddlers. The concert kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

Have you decided which direction you will go?

Aboriginal Day Live Concert Broadcast

Aboriginal Day Live airs LIVE Saturday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. CT on APTN and APTN HD, will be livestreamed at aboriginaldaylive.com, and on the radio waves of the Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation.

For more information on ADL&C, check out: aboriginaldaylive.com!

– Sheldon McRae, APTN Communications Coordinator

APTN ABORIGINAL DAY LIVE PROMOTIONAL VIDEO