A National Aboriginal Day Focused on Openness and Reconciliation
WENDAKE, QC, June 21, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - June 21, 2016, National Aboriginal Day, will be marked by an exceptional event that encourages reconciliation and openness.
For the first time in Quebec, after having officially taken oath, thirty new Canadian citizens will be greeted by the Chief of the AFNQL and First Nations representatives during a reception in the presence of the Mayor of Montreal, Mr. Denis Coderre.
The message of the First Nations to the new citizens will be inspired by the deep values of openness and hospitality expressed at the time of the first contacts, more than five centuries ago.
The necessary reconciliation between First Peoples and the society as a whole will be at the heart of the reception, hosted by the City of Montreal. For many, Montreal is not only the site of the Great Peace of 1701, it is also today the crossroads of peoples of many origins and First Peoples. On the eve of the celebrations of the 375th anniversary of the founding of Montreal, the Mayor of Montreal, Denis Coderre and AFNQL Chief Ghislain Picard decided to join their voices on this June 21st to send a message of reconciliation to the population.
"Reconciliation is an opportunity we cannot miss. Mayor Denis Coderre and the City of Montreal are inviting us by taking this first step in celebrating with us, the National Aboriginal Day. There could be no better time to promote a better knowledge of the other and a better understanding of the issues, if we want to give full meaning to reconciliation between all those who share the same territory," declared AFNQL Chief Ghislain Picard.
About the AFNQL
The Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com.
SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
Mélanie Vincent: [email protected], Cell.: 418-580-4442
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