The Inner Harbour will again play host to National Aboriginal Day celebrations this year, happening today at Ship Point.
June 21 was named National Aboriginal Day in 1996, and marks the day when Canadians across the country celebrate the culture, history and achievements of First Nations people.
This year's celebrations will include live musical performances, an artists' market and children's activities. The festivities run from noon until 7 p.m.
"National Aboriginal Day is a chance for us to express ourselves as contemporary First Nations people," said Ron Rice who, with other volunteers from the Solstice Celebration Society, organized this year's event.
Last year's celebrations attracted an estimated 7,000 visitors.
Featured performers today include violinist Swil Kanim, writer Janet Rogers, singers Niska and Aiden Thorne, and the Unity Drummers and Singers.
Ry Moran, another Solstice Celebration Society volunteer, said that National Aboriginal Day is timed to coincide with the summer solstice because "the date is symbolic to many aboriginal cultures, who are very tied to the seasons."
Moran said this year organizing team place a priority on making sure everyone feels welcome, regardless of their cultural background.
"Cross-cultural communication is what the event is really about," Moran said.
"We want to encourage the public to come and experience our culture."
Art Napoleon, a Victoria-based musician storyteller who will be opening the day's festivities, echoes Moran's sentiments.
"This is just a great day to celebrate and build bridges with other cultures," Napoleon said.
"Realistically, you can't educate people about our culture with just one little celebration, but you can at least plant a seed."
