Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
June 18, 2010
Newfoundland and
Labrador to Celebrate National Aboriginal Day
National Aboriginal Day is a recognition
of the contributions made by First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. On
Monday, June 21, the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal
Affairs, is encouraging all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to
participate in the celebration.
"Newfoundland and Labrador is a richly
woven tapestry of distinct cultures and diverse traditions," said
Minister Pottle, who will be in the Inuit community of Hopedale to
participate in local events. "Aboriginal people have made an
immeasurable contribution to this province. National Aboriginal Day
provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the great
contribution of Aboriginal people to our provincial identity."
Minister Pottle noted that the Government
of Newfoundland and Labrador has a proven record of support for programs
to assist Aboriginal people, to prevent violence against Aboriginal
women and children, and to provide economic opportunities for Aboriginal
youth.
In February 2010, the Provincial
Government, along with the Federal Government, Labrador's three
Aboriginal groups, and Nalcor Energy – Lower Churchill Project,
committed $30 million to provide Aboriginal people in Labrador with
increased employment opportunities associated with major economic
development activities.
In addition, through Budget 2010: The
Right Investments – For Our Children and Our Future, the Provincial
Government invested $430,000 in operational funding for the Transition
House Program in Nain and Rigolet and a continued investment of $100,000
for the Suicide and Detrimental Lifestyles Program. As well, the
Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network is receiving $100,000 in
funding, and $125,000 is being provided to Aboriginal women to develop
and deliver a series of capacity-building workshops in the five Inuit
communities on the North Coast of Labrador.
"This is an important day of recognition
for all Aboriginal people of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister
Pottle. "I encourage everyone to contact their local Aboriginal and
community groups so they can experience some of the Aboriginal culture,
music and events taking place throughout the province."
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Media contact:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
2010 06 18
9:25 a.m.
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