Celebrate Canada's Indigenous Culture with Parks Canada on Aboriginal Day
News Release
Traditions of the Mohawk community of Akwesasne on display at Thousand Islands National Park
June 15, 2016 Mallorytown, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Aboriginal Day – a celebration of the unique cultures that make up Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. On Saturday June 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Thousand Islands National Park will present a celebration of Indigenous art and culture at its Visitor Centre in Mallorytown Landing.
Parks Canada works with more than 300 indigenous communities across Canada in conserving, restoring and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage. Thousand Island National Park’s featured guests, Frances Derouchie and David Jock of the Mohawk community of Akwesasne, will offer traditional cultural performances at 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. A special display of beautiful and unique wood carvings by local Indigenous wood carver Curt Sauer will also be on display. As part of the celebrations, visitors can enjoy Labrador tea, crafts, face painting, and many other activities. Bring the family for an afternoon in the scenic traditional land of the Haudenosaunee.
As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our heritage. Whether visiting Thousand Islands National Park for the first time or for the thousandth time, there is always something new and fun to discover.
Quick Facts
- Parks Canada is committed to ensuring that interpretive materials and activities at all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas are respectful of Indigenous traditions, cultures and contributions to Canada’s heritage.
- Newcomers and repeat visitors to Thousand Islands National Park will also enjoy the park’s permanent exhibits of indigenous culture and the Thanksgiving Address carved in granite at the riverside lookout.
- Established in 1904, Thousand Islands National Park is the oldest national park east of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Visitor Centre is located at 1121 1000 Islands Parkway in Mallorytown Landing, just west of the intersection with County Road 5 (exit 675 from the 401). For information, please contact us by telephone at 613-923-5261 or by email at ont-ti@pc.gc.ca.
Associated Links
Thousand Islands National Park
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Contact
Bruce MacMillan
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit
Bruce.Macmillan@pc.gc.ca
613-923-5261 ext. 122
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