Arctic Red River (Jul 03/06) - A major storm cancelled this year's Aboriginal Day celebrations in Tsiigehtchic.

Darius Andre and Jake Stewart show off their trampoline skills to Tsiigehtchic recreation coordinator, Jason Shiwak. Tsiigehtchic had a unique celebration Saturday, combining Aboriginal and Canada Day celebrations. - photo courtesy of Jason Shiwak

But the party took place on July 1, alongside Canada Day celebrations, creating the first combined event.

"We had to cancel Aboriginal Day due to one of the biggest rainstorms," Jason Shiwak, recreation coordinator says.

"It didn't flood, but the ground was really sloppy with a lot of mud."

It was postponed until last Saturday.

On Aboriginal Day they were going to have a smudge ceremony, a baseball game and a cook out.

The combined day activities focused on children - a fun day for families with a cook-out in the evening. The cook-out featured hotdogs for everyone.

"We have a very strong spiritual community, both Aboriginal and Roman Catholic," Shiwak says.

Additionally, there was a bike parade where children decorated their bikes and rode around the community - on parade.