Summer Solstice Aboriginal Festival Presented by ITK and First Air June 17-19, 2016

Recognized as an Aboriginal arts event with national significance, Summer Solstice Aboriginal Festival (SSAF) is proud to present a world-class showcase that fosters incredible energy and instills pride in the rich cultures of Canada’s First People embracing Frist Nations, Métis, and Inuit organizations and artists. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day. Each year a particular culture is highlighted.  The 2016 Festival edition is honoured to present the Inuit culture over the 3-day period on June 17, 18 and 19 at Vincent Massey Park in Ottawa. To underscore this fact, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) is co-host of the Festival. As Canada’s national Inuit organization, ITK represents 60,000 Inuit, living primarily in the four Inuit land claims regions – Nunavut, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador) and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories. Joining Summer Solstice and ITK to make a substantial and proactive difference in the lives of young Inuit living in northern communities, is First Air, The Airline of the North, celebrating its 70th year of operations in 2016. Together with the National Inuit Council, and the support of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (QC), First Air is flying down 70 youth and chaperons to the National Capital to attend Summer Solstice. To further honour the Festival’s co-host Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Summer Solstice will present the Inuit Art Pavilion with its "Arctic Summer” theme. Inuit artists will explore their participation in traditional and contemporary visual art through curated arts exhibits, installations, demonstrations, and workshops. Festival participation by Artcirq and the Inuit throat singers Tarniriik, formerly known as the "Ministers of Cuteness", who touched people across Canada following their heartwarming performance at Justin Trudeau's ceremony, will also be performing. These and other artists will highlight the formidable talents emerging out of this sage and respected culture. SUMMER SOLSTICEAboriginal Festival & International Competition Pow Wow Friday June 17 – Sunday, June 19, 2016 Vincent Massey Park, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B7 Heron Road and Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B7 FREE ADMISSION & FAMILY PROGRAMMING Paid parking available on site Greyhound Park & Ride Shuttle Service http://www.ottawasummersolstice.ca/ @OttawaSolstice | Facebook.com/OttawaSolstice