The rhythm of the day went ta-ta-boom, ta-ta-boom, ta-ta-boom. Aboriginal drummers beat away, singing traditional songs to mark the beginning of National Aboriginal Day on Sunday, June 21. 

Since 1996, Canadians and visitors from across the country have been celebrating and partaking in the culture, heritage and values of Canada’s first peoples. 

Gathered on the Parks Canada info centre lawn, members of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation - or Stoney Nation as they are also known - treated onlookers not only to traditional drumming, but to dancing as well in front of two teepees. 

Speaking in his traditional language, Chief Cameron Alexis explained that national recognition of Canada’s aboriginal population has been a long time coming and that National Aboriginal Day is a venue to “showcase our existence and culture,” he said. 

 Alexis also paid tribute to his “brothers and sisters” from other tribes, as well as the Métis and Inuit tribes. Lamenting the loss of their traditional language, Alexis joked that he and others are “living museums” of native culture. 

This past Sunday was the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation’s second year in Jasper and Alexis congratulated Parks Canada on looking after Jasper National Park “well,” he said. Grant Sikkes, a member of Parks Canada’s staff, who also happens to be of Métis descent, discussed the importance of the Aboriginal Leadership Program that reconnects youth with their historical lands as well as the importance of celebrating the values, culture and heritage of Canada’s aboriginal population.

There were a variety of different exhibits set up for people to explore, including a Métis outfitter, animal hides, crafts for the children and traditional tools and clothing.