Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Forks in Winnipeg on June 17 with Indigenous Day Live (IDL).
IDL 2023 honoured the next generation of Indigenous leaders under the theme “Celebrating Our Youth.” The event featured a full day of free activities for the entire family, ending in a concert broadcast across Turtle Island.
IDL 2023 brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day and the summer solstice. Through cultural and musical performances, IDL honours the unparalleled achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Turtle Island.
According to APTN, visitors of all ages took part in traditional demonstrations, watched a Métis fiddle competition, browsed works from talented artisans, enjoyed tasty snacks from the on-site food vendors and much more.
“Children and youth in attendance will get to explore an area just for them: the APTN Kids Zone,” said organizers days before the event. New to IDL this year was a pre-show stage hosted by Michael Redhead Champagne, featuring cultural and musical performances from Brandi Vezina, Lisa Odjig and Artcirq.
The free evening concert, hosted by Anishinaabe rapper Samian and Métis/Saulteaux-Cree actress Jessica Matten featured performances from The Halluci Nation, Laura Niquay, Mumu Fresh, Aysanabee, Digging Roots and more.
An encore presentation of the IDL concert will air across all APTN channels on June 21 as part of the network’s special programming for National Indigenous Peoples Day. IDL 2023 will be available for streaming on APTN lumi beginning on June 21.
“APTN Indigenous Day Live 2023 will highlight the important role Indigenous youth play in shaping our collective future,” said APTN CEO Monika Ille. “The event will serve as an opportunity for APTN to raise young people’s voices through dance, music and visual art. We are so excited to showcase the immense talent of Indigenous communities across the country.”
Generous financial support from the Government of Canada has enabled IDL to bring communities together in celebration of NIPD.
“It’s wonderful to highlight our talented youth in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day!” said Minister of Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez. “Young people inspire us and push us to keep our minds open. Thanks to them — and for them — we will never cease our efforts to ensure a better world for future generations. This celebration, which lets us take another step down the path of reconciliation, is an occasion you won’t want to miss.”
APTN presented this edition of IDL and acknowledges its supporters and funders: TD Bank Group, NCI FM, The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, Casinos of Winnipeg, CUPE, CUPE Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro, The North West Company, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, The Winnipeg Foundation, Unifor and CN.
Each year, IDL presents a refreshing lineup of collaborations in English, French and a variety of Indigenous languages. Held annually since 2007 on the Saturday closest to National Indigenous Peoples Day.
To join the conversation any time use the hashtag #IDL2023 or #JAD2023.
