This Wednesday, June 21 marks Aboriginal Day, and there is plenty happening in the Alberni Valley to celebrate.
The Hupacasath First Nation will be holding a Day of Wellness and the Sunset Market Opening at the Victoria Quay from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The market will have local fresh food and produce, arts, crafts, clothing and more. There will also be a barbecue with Teaz Me Teas, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, singing and dancing.
The market opening takes place at 6 p.m., musical artist Marim Bam Buzz performs at 7 p.m., and a Sunset Yoga workshop takes place at 7:30.
The Tseshaht First Nations will be holding Aboriginal Day celebrations at the Tseshaht Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be a day of cultural dancing, singing, weaving, medicine bags, beading feathers and playing traditional games. At 4 p.m., celebrations will transition to the Tseshaht side of Paper Mill Dam for a barbecue. If it’s raining, the event will move to Maht Mahs Gym, 5000 Mission Rd. (past the Tseshaht Administration Building).
The Port Alberni Friendship Centre (3555 Fourth Ave.) is also hosting an Aboriginal Day celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live music, children’s activities, a traditional feast, fashion show and more are scheduled for the Friendship Centre celebration.
The Uchucklesaht Tribe will hold an Aboriginal Wellness Day event at the Athletic Hall from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event will feature health information tables, local vendor tables, cedar weaving demonstrations, door prizes and snacks. Bring your families and see what health providers have to offer and learn about local companies who promote healthy lifestyles.
The Uchucklesaht Tribe will also hold a celebration at the Thunderbird building on June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The general public is welcome to join in the celebrations.
Due to losses in the community, the Huu-ay-aht First Nation has announced that they will not be celebrating on June 21, but will be hosting Aboriginal Day events at another time.