National Aboriginal Day 2009

CANADA …………….June 19, 2009…Canada celebrates June 21st — the first day of summer - National Aboriginal Day. The event initiated On May 23, 1996, also signals the start to eleven days of Canadian celebrations culminating with Canada Day.  Aboriginal, First Nations events take place across Canada starting on the weekend of Saturday, June 20, 21.

Events this year can be found in the following provinces and territories at http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ach/ev/nad/ev/index-eng.asp  for the following regions:

• National Capital Region
• Atlantic Region
• Alberta Region
• BC Region
• Manitoba Region
• Nunavut Region
• Newfoundland and Labrador Region
• Ontario Region
• Quebec Region
• Saskatchewan Region

Additional events may be found at the Aboriginal Canada Portal.

Background

The following are excerpts from the original press release from the Governor General.   "Indians, Inuit, and Métis have made unparalleled contributions to the development of this country, " said Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Ronald A. Irwin, one of three federal Ministers who made the announcement" To recognize these contributions, the Canadian government has designated June 21st as National Aboriginal Day so that all Canadians may share and experience the cultures of Indians, Inuit, and Métis in Canada. The designation of National Aboriginal Day also supports global initiatives to commemorate the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples."

In December 1995, Elijah Harper hosted a Sacred Assembly in Hull, Quebec, at which a national day to recognize Aboriginal peoples and their contribution to Canada was discussed. Following consultations, Aboriginal groups and the federal government selected June 21st. The summer solstice holds special significance for many Aboriginal groups who already celebrate their cultures and heritage on that day.

"The official recognition of National Aboriginal Day fulfills an important commitment undertaken by the government at the Sacred Assembly. I hope that all Canadians will join Aboriginal communities in celebrating this momentous occasion, this year and every June 21st," said Elijah Harper, MP for Churchill, Manitoba.

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