Today is National Aboriginal Day, which recognizes First Nations’ communities in BC and across Canada, honouring tradition and history.
2017 is the 21st year of celebration, encouraging Canadians to enrich themselves with their city’s local aboriginal heritage.
In a statement, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad says while BC remains a ‘rich tapestry’ for culture and diversity, more needs to be done to bring people together.
“Reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. Reconciliation is a journey of many steps, big and small, and it is a journey we must walk together in genuine partnership.”
NEW: National Aboriginal Day: Reconciliation through renewal, https://t.co/jxYTcX438I #BC
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) June 21, 2017
Rustad hopes everyone will be able to hear the voices of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people and, in turn, accept each other regardless of background.
“You are helping to recognize that reconciliation is not just an Aboriginal imperative; it is an imperative for all British Columbians. It is an imperative we must take to heart on all the days that follow.”
BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) President Irene Lanzinger has also weighed in on National Aboriginal Day.
She says indigenous people play a big role in symbolizing the freedom Canada has to offer, and they should be commended for their economic prosperity.
“There remains much work to do to bring awareness and education to the general public of the injustices committed against indigenous communities after the creation of Canada. British Columbia has the highest numbers of murdered and missing in Canada. While acknowledging the high numbers of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, it is imperative to consider the families and children left behind.”
Lanzinger adds BCFED continues to support Aboriginal communities as some struggle with everyday living in rural areas, such as child poverty, lack of drinking water, and environment protection.
“It is crucial that we respect the rights of indigenous communities as we would any other community in Canada, including their right to raise their children. The importance of this is underlined as we realize indigenous youth are the fastest growing population segment in Canada, a group that has alarmingly high suicide rates.”
She believes BC, and other provinces, should make today an official statutory holiday like the Yukon.
For a full list of National Aboriginal Day celebrations and events, you can click here.
Today, we celebrate National Aboriginal Day and the history, cultures & traditions of Indigenous Peoples: https://t.co/kthm2Lms9T
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 21, 2017