Justice and Public Safety
June 19, 2015
The following is being distributed at the request of the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission:National Aboriginal Day
National Aboriginal Day
The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission recognizes National Aboriginal Day and invites Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to mark the day on June 21. Proclaimed in 1996, National Aboriginal Day is an annual celebration of significant spiritual importance to all Canadians to showcase and celebrate the diverse cultures, unique heritages, and outstanding contributions and achievements of Canada's First Nations, Inuit and Metis people.
The day is also important for remembering a difficult history of the treatment of Aboriginal people throughout Canada, both in residential schools, and in the tragic incidence of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls in the country, including Newfoundland and Labrador. The recently released findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on June 3 highlight the importance of recognizing the unique history and needs of our Aboriginal community. Included in its report, the TRC identified 94 recommendations to promote awareness of pressing issues facing many First Nations and Aboriginal people across Canada. These calls to action represent an initial step towards addressing the legacy of Indian Residential Schools and advancing the process of reconciliation.
"National Aboriginal Day is a time to remember the difficult and painful moments in Aboriginal history in the province and the country, but it is also a time to reflect on the beauty of the diverse Aboriginal presence in Newfoundland and Labrador, and to celebrate the Inuit, Innu, Mi'kmaq of the Miawpukek First Nation, the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation, and the Nunatukavut cultures throughout the province," said Remzi Cej, Chair of the Commission.
The Commission recognizes and promotes the importance of celebrations taking place across Newfoundland and Labrador, and supports the work of various provincial Aboriginal groups. Several family-friendly events are listed below, however individuals should contact local groups and agencies directly for further details regarding planned activities.
- Memorial University's Aboriginal Resource Office will be celebrating on June 19, with a day of activities, food, performances, and a screening of 'We Were Children.' Events are scheduled to take place at the St. John's campus;
- The St. John's Native Friendship Centre is celebrating with a sunrise ceremony, various activities for adults and children, and a traditional feast;
- The Qalipu Mi'Kmaq will be hosting events and activities across the West Coast of Newfoundland, in the communities of St. George, Corner Brook, Peterview, and Port au Port. Planned activities include traditional ceremonies, entertainment and crafts; and,
- Family-friendly activities are scheduled throughout the day at the Mi'kmaq Discovery Centre in St. Alban's.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of all individuals in this province. That includes human rights protections for Aboriginal Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who may experience discrimination in employment, the provision of goods, services, accommodations, facilities, and tenancy. The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act, 2010 protects all persons from discrimination based on the prohibited grounds of race, ethnic origin, sex, and other characteristics, as specified in the Act. In line with this objective, the Executive Director of the Commission will be giving a presentation at the St. John's Native Friendship Centre in the upcoming weeks on the topic of human rights law and the human rights process in Newfoundland and Labrador.
"The Commission continues to receive complaints from Aboriginal individuals in the province, alleging discrimination in different areas. The Commission will continue to work with community and other organizations serving Aboriginal people in the province, to reach out to individuals and families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in raising awareness of human rights," said Cej.
Some complaints made by Aboriginal persons fall under federal jurisdiction, and should be filed through the Canadian Human Rights Commission located in Ottawa. Please contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission staff for questions on jurisdiction.
For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca 
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Media contact:
| Carey Majid
Executive Director, Human Rights Commission 709-729-2709 careymajid@gov.nl.ca |
2015 06 19 4:25 p.m.