National Aboriginal Day Recognized Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador

The contributions of Aboriginal people are being celebrated today, June 21, as part of National Aboriginal Day. In Newfoundland and Labrador, activities will honour the original inhabitants of the province, who for centuries have fished rivers and hunted wild game, trekked across mountain ranges and explored fiords.

Today, as elders continue to teach the ways of their ancestors to their children and children’s children, Aboriginal people showcase their heritage and culture through traditional songs, dance, and stories.

“As an Aboriginal person, I feel a deep sense of pride, knowing that our vibrant history and traditional way of life are deeply woven into the fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador society,” said the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, who is celebrating National Aboriginal Day in the Innu community of Natuashish. “Today, I encourage everyone to participate in celebrations and activities and take time to reflect on the many contributions of Aboriginal people.”

The Provincial Government invests strategically to improve the lives of Aboriginal people throughout the province. Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, continues investments to improve programs and services, including:

• $6.3 million over the next three years to support ongoing remediation efforts at the former military site in Hopedale;
• $2.2 million to place five full-time mental health and addiction counsellors in Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik and Natuashish and to provide the necessary accommodations and supports;
• $1.5 million for a Government Assistance Plan for Inuit communities on the northern Labrador coast where homeowners face unique and difficult challenges associated with the registration of home heating oil tanks to meet compliance with environmental regulations;
• $1.2 million to construct four public housing units for low-income residents in Hopedale;
• $1 million for implementation of a three-year Labrador Caribou Management Initiative;
• $357,000 to support justice programs in Natuashish and Sheshatshiu; and,
• $100,000 to update the Aboriginal Consultation Policy.

“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador works closely with Aboriginal governments and groups in the province,” said Minister Pottle. “We all move forward into the future, while being ever mindful of the past. Along with celebration and recognition, National Aboriginal Day provides us with an opportunity for thoughtful reflection and acknowledgement of all that has been achieved and the challenges that remain.”

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2011 06 21                                                                             10:50 a.m.