Friday, June 19th, 2020

National Indigenous Peoples Day
On Friday, June 19th, Crossroads will celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with a special 100 Huntley Street program from Queenston Heights National Historic Site, Niagara on the Lake, ON., which commemorates the significant contributions of First Nations and their allies in the War of 1812. Join Host, Crystal Lavallee, as she 'digitally' takes you to 5 locations across the nation, sharing resilient stories of how First Nation, Metis and Inuit people are rising up during this unique time of coronavirus. Guests include three-time Juno award winner, Inuk singer and songwriter, Susan Aglukark, retired Canadian professional basketball player, Michael Linklater and gold medalist, Rilee ManyBears. Each feature segment honours First Nation, Metis and Inuit culture and accomplishments. First Peoples Voices is part of Crossroads’ response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations that support Indigenous voices on culture, spirituality and languages. Outreach Ambassador, Bev Hadland works to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. To date, Crossroads has fostered relationships with 170 communities across the country, mobilizing resources to northern communities to aid in community development. Watch 100 Huntley Street celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, Friday June 19 on YES TV at 8:00pm EDT. Watch online at http://100huntley.com or stream on Facebook and Castle http://intothecastle.com. Make sure to visit http://firstpeoplesvoices.ca to watch all the segments and download our 2019 Impact Report. SUBSCRIBE to YOUTUBE channel.

Michael Linklater
Michael is a Retired Canadian Professional Basketball Player and International Public Speaker from Thunder Child First Nation and he lives in Saskatoon. He started an international campaign called, Boys with Braids.

Gina Kaye
Gina is a School Bus Driver from Winnipeg MB who discovered a new talent during the global pandemic – mask making with beads!

Archie Kaglik
Archie was born in Aklavik, Northwest Territories. However, the government throughout the community was sinking, so they moved members to Inuvik, NWT. Archie’s experiences in residential school kept him in drug and alcohol addition until 61 years of age. While on his death bed in the Hospital, God gave him a second chance at life – he’s never been the same. Archie dealt with the pain from his past, and is now being filled up with God’s love daily!

Susan Aglukark
Susan Aglukark is one of Canada’s most unique artists and a leading voice in Canadian music. She blends the Inuktitut and English languages with contemporary pop music arrangement to tell the stories of her people, the Inuit of Arctic Canada. The emotional depth and honesty of her lyrics; her pure clear voice and themes of hope, spirit and encouragement have captivated and inspired listeners from all walks of life. She has performed for HRH Queen Elizabeth, Canadian Prime Ministers, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and several other dignitaries. Susan was invited into the Order of Canada in September of 2005 and received the Governor Generals Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award in June 2016. Susan is currently focused on transforming a child’s life in the north through her foundation. http://arcticrose.org http://susanaglukark.com

Cheryl Jones
Cheryl is a single mom who grew up on the reserve. Cheryl started the Nawash Food Bank for her community.

Rilee ManyBears
Rilee is a 22-year-old Gold Medalist, 2015 World Indigenous Games. Rilee is from Siksika Nation, Alberta (Blackfoot territory). He struggled with suicide and has lost family members due to suicide. His sister asked him what he wanted out of life – he said to run in the Olympics. “A goal will save a soul”.