Statement: National Aboriginal Day

June 21, 2013

For Immediate Release

June 21, 2013

OTTAWA – The Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission of the Liberal Party of Canada released the following statement today on National Aboriginal Day:

National Aboriginal Day began as a way to celebrate the art, culture, and languages of the original inhabitants of this land; and to formally recognize the relationship that Indigenous nations have with the British Crown and the Canadian state. It is a time to reflect on the true history of our country and recognize the importance of the Canadian/Indigenous relationship – a relationship where all Canadians are impacted.

The calls for a National Aboriginal Day originally came from Chiefs, grassroots Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and through the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

On June 21, 1996 the first National Aboriginal Day was proclaimed and has continued to be recognized since. Educational, social, and cultural events have grown in scope and in size – with many Indigenous and non-Indigenous people participating in local, regional, and national events.

This year, National Aboriginal Day will proceed as previous with one very big change. The events of #IdleNoMore and the calls for a change in the relationship cannot go unheeded. We believe that a proper nation-to nation relationship must be re-established; and that we must – through education on treaties and land claim agreements, through policy forums and round-table discussions – continue to bridge the gap that exists between Canadians and Indigenous peoples.

Let’s continue making positive change, let’s celebrate the diversity of our cultures, and let’s work toward a more positive relationship for the future generations that will call this land home.

Happy National Aboriginal Day!”

Migwetch, Kinanaskomitin, Huy Chexw, Gunalcheech, Marsi, Merci, Thank You.

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For more information on the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission, please contact:

Kevin Seesequasis
Vice-President (Communications)
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