June 21 was National Aboriginal Day in Canada. I wanted to post on June 21 but a number of other posts got in the way. June 21 st was summer solstice. I had written a post about Brenda's blog and wanted that to be out. So here it is , better late than never, National Aboriginal Day.
National Aboriginal Day is meant to celebrate Aboriginal culture. For a culture to survive it has to be practiced, appreciated and grow. That can be done when people get together and show off aspects of culture.
I hope that sometime this year you will take some time to look at some aboriginal art. There's much to choose from. I particularly like bead work. Bead work was done long before the white man came and cheated aboriginals out of their furs for a few beads. They used cut up porcupine quills. Many aboriginals are fantastic artists using modern media. One of my favorite painters is Allen Sapp. Take a good look at some of his work.
I hope you will take time to look at some aboriginal Dance. With colorful costumes and movement it becomes a ballet.
I hope you will take some time and listen to aboriginal music. They had many songs that told stories. Each person had songs for various occasions. Drums were used to emphasize parts of the song. None of the original songs were written down . They were passed on orally. Today , many of those songs have been written down and will become permanent. Songs are still being made today and fortunately by young people. Many aboriginals have been able to do well in modern music. I particularly like Kashtin
I hope you will listen to the aboriginal language. We still have areas where Cree is mainly spoken. Now young people are trying to learn Cree and keep the language active and living.
We all must celebrate National Aboriginal Day. We learn something. Aboriginals gain some self confidence so that they can proud of their culture.
well said, red.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea there was such a thing as National Aboriginal Day in Canada. Thanks for pointing it out.
ReplyDeleteIO'm not sure how long we've had it. It's not a holiday.
DeleteAn interesting challenge - now I will embark on a journey to check out some of the things you suggested. Thanks for the information!
ReplyDeleteI think you'll find some interesting stuff.
DeleteGreat Post Red. I am familar with all of this post, as my young nephew is teaching out West with young aboriginals and has spoked the same thing to me. He is also learning their language and ways and loves his work. He is also an artist and very talented and has begun to paint and express his love of living with these very wonderful people.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this post. Very nice.
Cool that your nephew is out here and immersed in the culture.
DeleteWe have a number of very talented aboriginal artists in our area and Frank owns a wonderful piece of art from this talented young man.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theethelcurrygallery.com/artistdetail.php?id=183
There's lots of art if we only look for it.
DeleteI will do just that, Red. Thank you for giving me all these links to choose from!
ReplyDeleteI hope you find something interesting.
DeleteIt is nice to understand all the traditions that make up ones cultures. We have set many aside and forgot about them.
ReplyDeleteVery well written! I so agree with you!
ReplyDeleteLinda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
I'm a fan of aboriginal art and a student of their culture and spirituality. Good for you for helping to shine a light on a rich heritage that has been threatened for too long.
ReplyDeleteWe celebrate Native American Day here in SD on October 12, not Columbus Day. Traditional pow wows and celebrations go on throughout the state, and in our schools. Our local Lakota educators are very generous sharing their language and culture with the students.
ReplyDeleteMy folks have a nice collection of Inuit and Inupiat carvings that I grew up with, so it is neat to see the link.
Red thank you for bringing an awareness to this special day. I didn't manage to get out to any of the celebrations but hope to make it out to a few powwows this summer. There's one coming up out at Poundmakers next weekend, I hope to make it at least one day.
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