WATCH: Today is National Aboriginal Day in Canada, with events being held right across the country. It’s a day for Canadians to reach out and recognize the culture and contributions of First Nations. Julie Foy reports.
Across British Columbia, First Nations groups gathered to mark National Aboriginal Day.
Created in 1996 by the federal government, the day recognizes and celebrates “the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.”
It takes place each year on June 21, the same day as the summer solstice, but is not a national holiday.
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There were at least 44 events in British Columbia today to mark the occasion.
“It has been the day of spiritual ceremony and spiritual celebration everywhere on Mother Earth throughout time. This is long before there were established religions…as a time to give thanks, as a time to mark another passing of another year,” said Chickasaw Nation Hereditary Chief Phil Lane Jr.
“It’s a very special day in our city,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society.
“We can’t ever forget how lucky we are, and appreciate those who have taken care of this land and sea for time immemorial, appreciate all those who have come before us to build this great city, and to think forward,” he said.
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The provincial government announced that it would join Reconciliation Canada to hold reconciliation workshops throughout B.C., days after announcing a new school curriculum would have larger emphasis on residential schools. They also announced they would provide $300,000 for the training of community facilitators.
Meanwhile, Robertson called on the federal and provincial governments to act on the 94 recommendations made in a report on Canada’s residential school system.
“The recommendations have changes that need to be made in our country that will lift aboriginal people to the next level and make sure they have all the opportunities that the rest of have in our country.”
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