Today is the day! The Aboriginal Arts Festival & 2nd Annual International Competition Pow-wow officially begins today. Everyone is welcome!! Admission & Programming is ALL FREE!!!
BACK GROUND
In its fifteenth year, the festival continues to strive to provide an opportunity for the Aboriginal community to celebrate National Aboriginal Day, and come out and share their own individual cultures within Ottawa and the world. Building on the success of the 2011 event with over 30,000 people enjoying the free Pow wow, Main stage concerts and always extensive family programming; the Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival continues to represent the diversity of Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit cultures within Turtle Island and are very confident people will enjoy this year’s event.
“The 2012 Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival and International Competition Pow Wow is shaping up to be our most exciting event yet!” says Trina Simard, Executive Director. “Everyone is invited to join us at the new location of Vincent Massey Park in the celebration of National Aboriginal Day June 21 to June 24. Over the four days you will experience Aboriginal culture with an impressive Pow Wow, family friendly main stage and cultural showcase, hundreds of Aboriginal artisans, interactive arts workshops, displays and an extensive family fun zone with everything from pony rides and face painting to human hamster balls. The best part is everything is FREE – admission and programming!”
WHATS ON- JUNE 22, 2012
MAINSTAGE
6:30pm, Charles Keelan
7pm, Leanne Goose
7:45pm, Amanda Rheaume
POW WOW
5pm, Registration for singers and dancers
6pm, Blessing of the Grounds
6:30pm, GRAND ENTRY
7pm, Intertribal and Social Dancing
Celebrating the Aboriginal contributions to the War of 1812 with our theme of 1812 to 2012 – Aboriginal community, continuity and change programing- includes historic photo booth, Metis & Voyageur games, authentic 1812 lacrosse re-enactments, and artistic performances.
Metis, Inuit & First Nations Visual Arts Exhibits & Interactive Artisan workshops for all ages!
One of the highlights for all visitors continues to be the Children’s Tipi Village with all FREE activities. Big Sky Animal Ranch display & pony rides, bouncy castle, and Elephant Thoughts Edutainment – a charity who educates First Nations and Inuit children in the far north bring science to life with human hamster balls, body zorbs, inflatable Planetarium and 25 foot tall polar bear.
OTHER DETAILS:
- An extensive selection of authentic Aboriginal arts & crafts in the marketplace along with traditional foods and picnic grounds. Cultural showcase of First Nations, Metis and Inuit culture brought to life through stage performances and living displays.
- To accommodate a bigger, better and “greener” festival and Pow wow, the festival‘s location will be at Vincent Massey Park, Ottawa (Heron & Riverside).
- Plenty of onsite (paid) parking next to the festival and easy OCTranspo access.
- This is an alcohol and drug free event. No pets please.
