21 June 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the occasion of National Aboriginal Day:
“National Aboriginal Day is a day for both celebration and reflection. It is a time to celebrate the diverse cultures of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples as well as the many contributions Métis, Inuit and First Nations people have made to Canada’s history and heritage. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that continue to face our Aboriginal communities and how to overcome them.
“June 11, 2009 marked the one year anniversary from when I stood in the House of Commons and offered a formal apology on behalf of the Government of Canada to survivors of the Residential Schools system. Our Government continues to work closely with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, alongside other levels of government and the private sector, to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal people in our country.
“I encourage everyone to ‘Share in the Celebration’ by participating in one of the many planned events taking place across Canada.”
