By Dan Marshall

Nanaimo Aboriginal Days celebration

Jun 21, 2016 | 12:40 PM

National Aboriginal Day celebrations are underway across Canada.

Chris Beaton with the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre says an event in Nanaimo will focus on entertainment, but this day means much more than that.

“This year is the 20th anniversary for National Aboriginal Day,” said Beaton. It’s definitely growing, it’s maturing and I think it’s importance is being raised by the conversation this country is having around reconciliation. And I really like that there’s now a movement to make it a statutory holiday in the country.”

The Nanaimo celebration will include indigenous authors and performers, with an opportunity to join in some hand drumming.

“There are over 600 First Nations across the country and many of those are represented here in Nanaimo.  I think the blend in urban environments of multi-aboriginal cultures makes each community celebration unique.”

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Nanaimo Mayor Bill McKay will be a part of Aboriginal Day celebrations as well.

“It’s all about celebrating the people that were here long before us.  Their culture and their origins and who they are,” said McKay.

Aboriginal Day activities in Nanaimo will run from 4pm – 8pm at Bowen Park.