Selkirk Avenue celebrated Aboriginal Day in style last week with live music, free food and fellowship.

"This gets better every year. The music this year was really diverse. I saw (city councillor) Ross Eadie slapping his leg the whole show," area resident Marcus Koop said of the June 21 celebration.

Events were held throughout north Winnipeg to mark this year’s celebration.

The Indian & Métis Friendship Centre hosted events including an Aboriginal Idol contest. Lunch, entertainment and crafts were served along Selkirk.

A diverse mixture of live acts, from hip-hop and adult acoustic to eclectic electric, took to the stage. Sierra Noble also performed for the North End crowd. The Selkirk celebration, which began in 2004, stretched between Powers and Andrews streets.

Greg Slobodeski of the North End Wellness Centre said Mother Nature appeared to co-operate with organizers.

"Looks like it has been clearing up at the right times," he said.

First Nations chiefs marked June 21 with a pipe ceremony involving Grand Chief Derek Neepinak and Ojibway elders Elmer Courchene and Percy Houle.

Aboriginal Day live celebrations culminated at The Forks on June 23. Skate park demos and music, artisans village, traditional demonstrations and food were highlights of the day, which saw more than 25,000 people attend.

Canada has marked June 21 as a day to recognize aboriginal contributions since 1996.

Facebook.com/TheTimesWPG

rob.brown@canstarnews.com