2012 Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival & 2nd Annual International Competition Pow Wow- JUNE 21-24, 2012

The National Association of Friendship Centres and Aboriginal Experiences: Arts and Culture present:

2012 Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival & 2nd Annual International Competition Pow Wow

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!! ADMISSION & PROGRAMMING- ALL FREE!

In its fifteenth year, the festival continues to strive to provide an opportunity for the Aboriginal
community to celebrate National Aboriginal Day, and come out and share their own individual cultures
within Ottawa and the world. Building on the success of the 2011 event with over 30,000 people
enjoying the free Pow wow, Main stage concerts and always extensive family programming; the Summer
Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival continues to represent the diversity of Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit
cultures within Turtle Island and are very confident people will enjoy this year’s event.

“The 2012 Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival and International Competition Pow Wow is shaping
up to be our most exciting event yet!" says Trina Simard, Executive Director. "Everyone is invited to join
us at the new location of Vincent Massey Park in the celebration of National Aboriginal Day June 21 to
June 24. Over the four days you will experience Aboriginal culture with an impressive Pow Wow, family
friendly main stage and cultural showcase, hundreds of Aboriginal artisans, interactive arts workshops,
displays and an extensive family fun zone with everything from pony rides and face painting to human
hamster balls. The best part is everything is FREE - admission and programming!"

Events not to be missed include the 2nd Annual Competition Pow Wow with over $65,000 in Prizes and
Host Drum Grammy nominated Bear Creek Singers it attracts drums and dancers from across Turtle
Island (North America)!!! Throughout the weekend you will watch talented dancers of all ages carry
on the traditions of their ancestors with ancient dance styles and celebrate the contemporary Native
culture with spectacular colour and movement. Mark in your calendars not to miss each day’s grand
entry, a highlight of any Pow wow, June 22- 6pm, June 23-12noon, 6pm, and June 24- 12noon.

On the Main Stage you find a stellar line-up of the best of Aboriginal music and dance featuring:

Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival

internationally recognized Crystal Shawanda, Amanda Rheaume, Donny Parenteau, Vince Fontaine’s
Indian City, Leanne Goose and Canada’s Got Talent winner, Sagkeeng’s Finest.

Celebrating the Aboriginal contributions to the War of 1812 with our theme of 1812 to 2012 –
Aboriginal community, continuity and change programing- includes historic photo booth, Metis &
Voyageur games, authentic 1812 lacrosse re-enactments, and artistic performances.

Metis, Inuit & First Nations Visual Arts Exhibits & Interactive Artisan workshops for all ages!

One of the highlights for all visitors continues to be the Children’s Tipi Village with all FREE activities. Big
Sky Animal Ranch display & pony rides, bouncy castle, and Elephant Thoughts Edutainment – a charity
who educates First Nations and Inuit children in the far north bring science to life with human hamster
balls, body zorbs, inflatable Planetarium and 25 foot tall polar bear.

OTHER DETAILS:

•

An extensive selection of authentic Aboriginal arts & crafts in the marketplace along with
traditional foods and picnic grounds. Cultural showcase of First Nations, Metis and Inuit culture
brought to life through stage performances and living displays.
To accommodate a bigger, better and “greener” festival and Pow wow, the festival‘s location
will be at Vincent Massey Park, Ottawa (Heron & Riverside).
Plenty of onsite (paid) parking next to the festival and easy OCTranspo access.
This is an alcohol and drug free event. No pets please.

•

•
•

GREAT INTERVIEW IDEAS & FEATURES:

•

Kehewin Native Performance – And the Hoop Stays Strong – story of First Nations history told
through dance, traditional and contemporary featuring 1812 component. Some dancers
recently performing alongside Nelly Furtado in video and Grammy /Much Music awards.
Elephant Thoughts – Award winning charity who works in Northern Aboriginal communities
providing great, entertaining and educational science programming
Donny Parenteau – recent Juno nominee and Canada Day Parliament Hill stage performer
Sagkeengs Finest – Three young men who recent captured Canada’s hearts winning Canada’s
Got Talent!
Many of our talented artists, dancers and entertainers have a great message to share.

Search our news archive

More news

Subscribe to OttawaStart Community News

Subscribe via RSS

Subscribe via Twitter

Subscribe via email