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Everyone is welcome to The Green in Wortley Village at London, Ont. for ceremonies to commemorate Aboriginal Solidarity Day June 21.
The day begins with a sunrise ceremony at 5:30 a.m. and later in the morning at 11 a.m. there will be vendors set up on The Green where food will be available while planned activities take place.
At noon, there will be a powwow, including grand entry, and it will feature longhouse social dancing, including the beautiful smoke dance. The day provides an opportunity to learn about Indigenous peoples.
Master of Ceremonies Dennis Whiteye will preside over the proceeding. Admission is free. Bring a lawn chair and refillable water container.
Watch a game of lacrosse played by London Police Service members versus youth, and see how a tipi is set up. There is more significance to it than just a shelter. Learn how and why its presence is a necessity. The Museum of Archeology will also be providing pottery activities and more.
The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) Grand Chief Joel Abram said “I welcome all to celebrate Solidarity Day with us, as we all need to remain united in the face of adversity.”
AIAI is mandated as a Political Territorial Organizations to defend and enhance the Indigenous and Treaty rights of seven member First Nations: Batchewana First Nation, Caldwell First Nation, Delaware Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Oneida Nation of the Thames, and the Wahta Mohawks.
This day of activities is a joint effort with N’amerind friendship centre acting as host, with SOAHAC health centre and Athlohsa family healing services playing major roles in making this event possible.