Awareness Day and Family Activities - The First Nations are Remembered and
Rediscovered Five Centuries after Jacques Cartier Landed in Gaspé

GESPEG, QC, June 20 /CNW Telbec/ - In the summer of 1534, the French navigator Jacques Cartier drew alongside the coast of Gaspésie and encountered the first inhabitants of the territory, the Micmacs. During his journey in North America, he met the Algonquins, the Innu and other First Nations with whom he established alliances of peace and friendship. Five centuries later, it will be possible to rediscover the First Nations, thanks to awareness and family activities which will take place on June 21, within the scope of the National Aboriginal Day, in Gespeg.

This fourth edition of Quebec's First Nation Open House Day is organized by the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL). This day, intended to be an interactive and convivial event, is a reminder of the desire of the AFNQL to establish bonds with organizations of the civil society, the private enterprise as well as with neibouring communities of the First Nations of Quebec. Organized in conjunction with the Conseil de la nation Micmac de Gespeg, this day will be an opportunity to listen to keynote speakers who will address various issues that are of concern to the First Nations.

Family Activities

The Open House will take place on June 21, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, at the Centre communautaire de Gespeg (783, boulevard Pointe-Navarre). The celebrations will begin with a few words of welcome by MP Georges Mamelonet, Mayer François Roussi, Chief Ghislain Picard and Chief Claude Jeannotte. Various presentations will follow, heightening the awareness of the First Nation realities, particularly those of the Mi'gmaq Nation. For lunch, complimentary hotdogs will be offered to the participants.

In the afternoon, children will be particularly interested by trout fishing activities (all equipment supplied and possibility of taking the fish home), and by a visit to the Micmac Cultural Interpretation Center, which will be accessible free of charge all day long.

For further information: Terry Shaw, 418 368-6005; Source: Éric Cardinal, Communication Advisor, AFNQL, Tel.: [phone], Cellular: 514 258-2315