Ottawa, Ontario - 21 June 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the occasion of National Aboriginal Day:
“National Aboriginal Day provides Canadians across the country with an opportunity to celebrate the many rich and varied cultures of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
“The Government of Canada has had an enduring historic relationship with the first peoples of this land, based on mutual respect, friendship and support. Since the founding of Canada, First Nations, Métis and Inuit have made immeasurable contributions to our history, languages and arts. Aboriginal peoples played a vital role in the development of our country and continue to do so in the shaping of modern-day Canada.
“I encourage all Canadians to take part in marking National Aboriginal Day and National Aboriginal History Month to learn more about our country’s history and the integral contributions of Aboriginal peoples to our Canadian identity.”
