Each year on June 21st, Canadians mark National Aboriginal Day, a celebration of the heritage, cultures and societal contributions of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Events are taking place across Nova Scotia for the 20th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day, including a gathering at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. that includes musical performances and a panel discussion for the launch of the book Living Treaties: Narrating Mi’kmaw Treaty Relations.
Panelists at the event include Naiomi Metallic, a member of Dalhousie’s Board of Governors who joins Dalhousie’s Faculty of Law next month, and Dr. Daniel Paul, who has received an honorary doctorate from the university. 
Metallic, who is from the Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation in Quebec, contributed a chapter on language rights to Living Treaties, a book compiled by Marie Battiste. “I’ve done work about how language rights are recognized, or not, within Canadian law and society,” says Metallic. “I’m interested in language preservation and the role of law in that respect.”
Metallic, shown right, says National Aboriginal Day is an opportunity to recognize cultural contributions in a positive way.
“There is lots of education about dark passages in history and continuing issues, but today is more about the celebration of Indigenous cultures and their contributions to Canadian society.”
Norma Williams, executive director for diversity and inclusiveness at Dalhousie, echoes Metallic’s sentiment.
“National Aboriginal Day stands as an important opportunity to recognize the strong, vibrant cultures and traditions of Indigenous peoples,” says Williams.
“The Dalhousie community joins everyone across the country in celebrating the 20th anniversary of this event.”
An opportunity to celebrate and learn
While all Canadians are invited and encouraged to celebrate the day, Geri Musqua-Leblanc, co-ordinator of Dal's Elders-in-Residence and a member of Nakawe Nation (Keeseekoose First Nation) in Saskatchewan, notes that it is an especially valuable opportunity for Canada’s Indigenous communities.
"All Indigenous people today will be acknowledging the gifts that are bestowed on us by our creator,” says Musqua-Leblanc. “Sometimes people forget to do that. They just take if for granted. They get up and go along their daily routine."
Various events across the province will ensure that National Aboriginal Day is anything but routine. In addition to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre will host a launch event for “This Is What I Wish I Knew,” a project that features the work of 50 Indigenous artists in Halifax’s urban communities.
Sara Swasson, Aboriginal student advisor at Dalhousie, says National Aboriginal Day celebrations unite communities and build pride.
"It's a time for aboriginal people to come together and celebrate. Celebrate the culture, the dance, the drumming, but then also celebrate Indigenous people doing great things,” says Swasson.
"I feel proud. It feels good that we are growing the number of educated Aboriginal people that are able to make a difference."
Elsewhere in Nova Scotia, National Aboriginal Day events are scheduled in Amherst, Yarmouth, Pubnico, Truro, Millbrook and more. Information about these events can be found at the Government of Canada’s Indigenous and Northern Affairs website.
With files from Matt Reeder