The local aboriginal community is coming together to celebrate its collective pride in its history and culture, and they encourage Richmondites to join them on Sunday, June 19.

The Richmond Youth Service Agency's (RYSA) Pathways program is hosting National Aboriginal Day and it promises to offer something for everyone, said Jelica Shaw, aboriginal program coordinator for Pathways Aboriginal Centre at RYSA.

Last year, more than 350 people from all cultures came out to enjoy the festivities.

"This is an important event to give our artists and dancers an opportunity to share their dances, drumming and culture with the rest of Richmond," said Shaw, adding there are approximately 350 First Nations people living in Richmond.

"We had one Asian man make an aboriginal mask and he told us how much fun he had … he then proceeded to go on stage and dance wearing his mask."

Last year's popular mask workshop was led by the Kloshe'nem, a locally based aboriginal performance and workshop troupe.

This year the troupe is the headliner on the main stage.

"Kloshe'nem means to honour and through our family friendly performances and workshops, we inform, elevate, celebrate and acknowledge First Nations culture by engaging people in our interactive performances," said Lori Sherritt-Fleming, co-producer, along with Anastasia Hendry of Kloshe'nem and the only nonnative in the troupe.

"Kloshe'nem is very colourful and unique art form that encompasses many different art forms, including story telling and puppetry."

Sherritt-Fleming went on to say the troupe puts on workshops every week at a number of Lower Mainland schools and community centres.

"We love to get people from the audience to participate with us by performing puppetry on stage with us while we story-tell," she added.

"During this event, we will tell tales from the north west coast and it also involves sharing cultural artifacts."

National Aboriginal Day begins at 1 p.m. with an opening prayer and traditional presentation by Musqueam elder Larry Grant.

There will be many presentations by the Aboriginal Youth Council and local dignitaries, as well as traditional singing and drumming groups.

Kloshe'nem will also be putting on a puppet workshop from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (space is limited).

The RYSC's Pathways program presents the fifth annual National Aboriginal Day in Richmond celebrating aboriginal community and culture on Sunday, June 19 from 1 to 3 p.m., in the Minoru Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate.

This free event is open to all cultures. For more information or to volunteer, call Raven Barudin at 604-271-7600 ext. 150, or email raven.barudin@rysa.bc.caor visit the website at www.rysa.bc.ca.

mhopkins@richmond-news.com