Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 24/02) - Nearly 1,000 people gathered in a Yellowknife park to celebrate Aboriginal Day in the only territory or province where the day is a statutory holiday.

Madeline Goulet prepares whitefish for the Ndilo community barbeque in celebration of Aboriginal Day. - Jorge Barrera/NNSL photo

The smell of frying whitefish and the pounding of drums gave Somba K'e park an almost carnival-like feel beneath clear blue skies and almost summer-like temperatures.

"Today we celebrate what makes us different," said Northwest Territories Premier Stephen Kakfwi in a speech near the beginning of the festivities.

Both aboriginal and non-aboriginal people mixed, ate and danced as the Dettah drummers pounded out traditional songs in Dogrib.

Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson also addressed the crowd. She said the spirit of co-operation in this territory can be an example to the rest of Canada.

"This is an important event because we are in a time of healing and reconciliation," said Clarkson.

In an interview after her speech, Clarkson said she did not want to comment on whether Aboriginal Day should become a national holiday.

Clarkson and her husband, John Ralston Saul, the vice-regal consort, spent three days in the city.

"We are taking this back to Alberta next year," said Joanne Hart-Sweezey, a Calgary resident. "This should be a national holiday."

The park was ringed by canvas tents with local and territorial artists selling quilts, beads and hide clothing.

Shane Clark, a city realtor, said it's about time Canadians celebrated their aboriginal heritage.

"It's great to get everyone out and enjoy aboriginal culture," said Clark. "It's about time."

Yellowknives Dene elder Isador Tsetta delivered a prayer in Dogrib to begin the festivities.

"This day they made into a holiday is good for everyone, not just aboriginal," said Tsetta through an interpreter in an interview later. "It is for a good reason."

Earlier in the day, Tsetta prayed at the beginning of a small celebration in Ndilo, a Yellowknives community on the tip of Latham Island.

There, between the band office and K'alemi Dene school, elders gutted whitefish for a barbecue and the Dettah drummers led a drum dance.

Carol Morin, CBC Northbeat anchor, drummed out a solo version of O Canada to the 50 or so people gathered at the event.

"This day is good for the young kids because they learn it," said elder Judy Charlo. "I am so happy for my people."

Joe Handley, territorial finance minister, was on hand to eat and mingle with his Weledeh constituents.

"We have to take the time to celebrate our heritage," said Handley, who is a Cree-Metis, in a speech to the small crowd. "We are the first to declare this day a statutory holiday and I hope the rest of Canada follows our example."