The first day of summer is something most people look forward to.
Since 1996, the first day of summer has also been National Aboriginal Day, a time to celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Metis cultures across Canada.
Starting at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Gyro Park, there will be a historic collaboration as the Penticton Indian Band, Ooknakane Friendship Centre, the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band and the Osoyoos Indian Band join together in an outdoor cultural celebration.
This is the first year that all the South Okanagan Nation bands and the Friendship Centre will be hosting this gathering together.
There will be authentic foods, arts and crafts, music, traditional games, pow wow dancing, kids activities as well as the fifth annual five-kilometre family run/walk along the Okanagan Lake, with a focus on health and wellness.
The South Okanagan Similkameen Metis Association will be at 67 Nanaimo Ave. in from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving up buffalo burgers by donation outdoors, with an information display inside the nearby VooDoo’s Lounge.
For more information, contact Kym Gouchie at kgouchie@pib.ca, Rhonda Terbasket at rlterbasket@friendshipcentre or call the Ooknakane Friendship Centre at 250-490-3504.