Live from Halifax, National Aboriginal Day Celebrations
News Release
Government of Canada promotes culture and diversity through support for Aboriginal Day Live in Halifax
June 20, 2017 – Halifax, NS - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
This year, more Canadians than ever before will be able to participate in National Aboriginal Day events across the country. On June 21, 2017, Aboriginal Day Live will be telecast by the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) from eight Canadian cities, including Halifax. APTN is the first Aboriginal television network in the world with programing by, for and about Aboriginal Peoples.
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is supporting the live APTN telecasts from Halifax to help share Indigenous beliefs and heritage more broadly. Throughout the day on June 21, cultural demonstrations and activities honouring the Mi’kmaq will be held on the Halifax Waterfront. These will be followed in the evening by a concert featuring Aboriginal artists. Across the country, the diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples will be celebrated throughout the these live telecasts.
Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced a $50,000 contribution in support of the event through ACOA’s Business Development Program.
Investing in Aboriginal Day Live also contributes to helping to grow tourism awareness of Nova Scotia. The live national telecast and ongoing repeats throughout the year are expected to generate over one million viewers.
ACOA has worked with Aboriginal communities in Nova Scotia to help develop cultural tourism experiences. These communities include Waycobah First Nation, which offers trails, camping, paddling and fishing, as well as Bear River First Nation, where tourists can visit the Mi’kmaq Heritage and Cultural Centre.
Aboriginal Day Live in Halifax is being made possible through the support of multiple funding partners including: The Government of Nova Scotia, The City of Halifax, The Waterfront Development Corporation, Emera, Casino Nova Scotia and Canadian Heritage.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network for this special National Aboriginal Day programming. The live telecast of activities from the Halifax Waterfront honouring Mi’kmaq culture will reach large audiences across the country. This is a great opportunity to learn and participate in sharing the cultural values and traditions of our Aboriginal Peoples.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Science, Innovation and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
“The Mi’kmaq and their ancestors have had a foothold in the area around Halifax for millennia. It is fitting that they are sharing aspects of their culture here on the Halifax Waterfront as part of Aboriginal Day Live. It is especially important that the national telecast will enable a far reaching impact from coast to coast to coast ensuring that Canadians are able to honour the cultures of Aboriginal Peoples.”
- Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for Halifax.
“APTN is excited to collaborate with the Mi’kmaq people and bring the largest celebration of National Aboriginal Day- Aboriginal Day Live, to Mi’kmaq Territory. We are honoured to partner with Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency in the spirit of collaboration and reconciliation with First Nations.”
- Jean La Rose, APTN Chief Executive Officer.
“To have this showcase of Indigenous talent take centre stage on the Halifax Waterfront, the most visited place in Mi'kma'ki, for APTN’s Aboriginal Day Live is an integral act of reconciliation as we the Mi’kmaq people embrace this opportunity to share our culture with the world.”
- Regional Chief Morley Googoo, Assembly of First Nations, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland
Associated Links
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Andree Gracie
Grey Sea Artist & Event Management
Events, Office of Regional Chief Morley Googoo, AFN, Nova Scotia/NL
902-401-4939
E-mail: agracie@johngracie.ca