Executive Council
June 20, 2014
Strong Cultural Identity Strengthens Newfoundland and Labrador
Provincial Government Recognizes National Aboriginal Day
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Aboriginal people have a rich and diverse cultural identity that is prominent throughout the province. Their contribution will be celebrated in Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Saturday, June 21) on National Aboriginal Day.
“In Newfoundland and Labrador, we are fortunate to have vibrant Aboriginal groups with strong cultures and traditions. Over the course of our province’s history into present day, the unique identity of Aboriginal people has been significant. On National Aboriginal Day, we formally celebrate the spiritual and cultural values of Aboriginal people but their influence is realized daily.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
Launched in 1996, National Aboriginal Day recognizes and celebrates the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Canada. It is held each year on June 21.
“As a government, the principles of trust, honour, and respect have been at the forefront of our efforts to build relationships with Aboriginal people. Through the negotiation and implementation of land claim, self-government and other agreements, as well as development of specific policies and programs, we continue to support initiatives that respect and promote the unique cultures and identities of Aboriginal people.”
- Minister McGrath
Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook allocated funding for initiatives that benefit Aboriginal people. Examples of initiatives included in Budget 2014 include $350,000 to support a partnership with the Nunatsiavut Government to assist low-income private homeowners in Nunatsiavut to complete major renovations and $50,000 for the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Program, which supports projects that preserve and protect Aboriginal practices and traditions.
QUICK FACTS- Newfoundland and Labrador’s Aboriginal people have a rich and diverse cultural identity that continues to be prominent throughout the province.
- Saturday, June 21 is National Aboriginal Day across Canada.
- Through the negotiation and implementation of land claim, self-government and other agreements, as well as development of specific policies and programs, the Provincial Government continues support initiatives that respect and promote the unique cultures and identities of Aboriginal people.
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Media contact:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
2014 06 20 10:35 a.m.