Aboriginal Art program on display at Kouchibouguac and Fundy National Parks
MONCTON, NB, June 19, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today invited Canadians to join Parks Canada in New Brunswick to celebrate National Aboriginal Day.
On June 21st, Canadians recognize National Aboriginal Day - a day to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of Aboriginal peoples. In support of National Aboriginal Day, visitors to Fundy National Park and Kouchibouguac National Park are invited to meet local Aboriginal artists and learn more about New Brunswick's Aboriginal culture and heritage. Artists will be on-site between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
This special event is part of an Aboriginal art program with displays at Fundy National Park and Kouchibouguac National Park during the 2015 visitor season. The program is a collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations' Chiefs in New Brunswick (AFNCNB).
Parks Canada builds and strengthens its relationship with Aboriginal communities through presentation and interpretation of Aboriginal heritage at its sites, and by encouraging economic partnerships and opportunities with local Aboriginal peoples and communities.
Quick Facts:
- From hand-woven baskets to jewelry and skin products, a range of authentic crafts and artwork produced by AFNCNB member artists is now available for purchase at Fundy National Park and Kouchibouguac National Park.
- Fundy National Park is located within the traditional lands of the Mi'kmaq and Maliseet peoples. The Park is proud to celebrate Aboriginal peoples through meaningful cultural events such as the Fundy Mawew, and to play host to traditional Aboriginal ceremonies such as sweat lodges.
- Kouchibouguac National Park is located within the traditional lands of the Mi'kmaq people. The Park is proud to have a strong collaborative relationship with First Nations in particular with regards to its resource conservation efforts, and is also very fortunate to have First Nation interpreters who enrich visitor experience through meaningful aboriginal interpretive programming throughout the season.
- In cooperation with Aboriginal organizations such as the AFNCNB, the Government of Canada chose June 21st, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day. For generations, many Aboriginal peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.
Quotes:
"Our Government is committed to promoting Aboriginal peoples' historical connection to our national parks and sharing these stories with Canadians. The Aboriginal Art program in the Fundy and Kouchibouguac National Parks is one way that we are celebrating the significant contribution of First Nations to the cultural heritage of the Fundy and Acadian coastal regions."
The Honourable Rob Moore
Regional Minister for New Brunswick, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal
"The Assembly of First Nations Chiefs in New Brunswick is proud to be working with Parks Canada to fulfill its mandate supporting and promoting Aboriginal culture in New Brunswick. Through the Aboriginal Art Program and other collaborative initiatives, we are sharing our heritage with Parks Canada's visitors from around the world."
Cecelia Brooks
Indigenous Knowledge Specialist and Research Director,
Assembly of First Nations Chiefs in New Brunswick
Associated Links:
www.pc.gc.ca/kouchibouguac
www.facebook.com/kouchibouguacnp
www.pc.gc.ca/fundy
www.facebook.com/FundyNP
SOURCE Government of Canada
Jonathan Lefebvre, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Kelsie Corey, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Rob Moore, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, 613-941-7241; Livia Goodbrand, External Relations Manager, New Brunswick South Field Unit, 506-887-6394, [email protected]; Sylvie Robichaud, External Relations Manager, New Brunswick North Field Unit, 506-961-0418, [email protected]
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