National Aboriginal History Month Celebrates Aboriginal Culture, Traditions, Stories and Triumphs

June is recognized as National Aboriginal History Month (NAHM), an initiative pursued by the Regina Aboriginal Professional Network (RAPA) since 2007.

“They wanted the province of Saskatchewan to recognize June as National Aboriginal History Month,” said Nicole Akan, RAPA president.

In 2009, RAPA’s vision was made official throughout the country unanimously by the Members of Parliament in Ottawa.

“It wasn’t until June 4, 2009 when the House of Commons accepted the motion to officially recognize and celebrate (National Aboriginal History Month),” said Akan.

Numerous events are being held throughout the month of June to celebrate NAHM, one of the most notable is the First Nations pavilion at the Regina Mosaic cultural festival.

The First Nations pavilion will be located at First Nations University of Canada, welcoming attendees on Thur. June 4 and Fri. June 5 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sat. June 6.

Akan said RAPA, FNUniv Students’ Association and Powwow Committee have worked together to have the pavilion return after a one-year hiatus as it was “missed” at last year’s Mosaic.

“I think it’s important to showcase our culture,” said Akan.

On June 19, an Aboriginal Talent Showcase will take place in City Square Plaza in downtown Regina, featuring a variety of powwow dancers and a drum group that is open to everyone to learn more about Aboriginal culture and traditions.

“At these events, like in Victoria Park, we usually get a huge crowd that is non-Aboriginal,” said Akan.

A one-day Archery and Lacrosse youth camp, held at FNUniv on June 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will conclude the major events organized by RAPA for NAHM.

“For the whole day we do the sports camp then we bring in an elder to have Tipi teachings for the youth,” said Akan.

Throughout the month, social media users have a chance to share photos of daily themes using the hashtag: #NAHM2015PhotoADay.

By posting photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, people have a chance to share their interpretations of the daily themes and also learn more about Aboriginal culture as well. Participants have a chance to win prizes from RAPA.

Overall, NAHM allows Aboriginal people to celebrate their history, culture, and traditions and share the teachings with non-Aboriginals as well.

“It’s a good a way to bring back traditions to Aboriginal youth and even just to let Regina know we’re still here and celebrate our culture. It’s about building partnerships,” said Akan.

— by Jarrett Crowe for RezXmag.com