Beautiful weather and a large, enthusiastic crowd helped make yesterday’s National Aboriginal Day a huge success.   Here Elder Jack Robinson explains what the day  meant to him.   

“It’s a very, very special day, because when I think back, of when I was young we were not allowed to do any of our traditional dances, sweat lodges, pipe ceremonies. So this means a lot to me that we’re allowed to have all of our people come here and celebrate the Aboriginal Day.”

Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle also attended the National Aboriginal Day celebrations in the city.    He accepted a framed copy of the Thompson Accord, to commemorate the Province of Manitoba becoming a partner to the accord.   This is what he had to say about the day.

“I’m very proud to be here on behalf of the provincial government because today is a historic day.  Our provincial government is signing on to the Thompson Aboriginal Accord, and we’re committed to meaningful consultations and relationships in line with our “Yes, North!” initiative and our recent throne speech.”   

“I’m happy to be in Thompson - we’re on Treaty 5 land. It’s nice to  see the elders here and we thank them for coming and promoting their culture and sharing their wisdom.”

Hundreds of people from Thompson and surrounding areas joined the celebrations which took place at McLean Park.  Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day in Canada