The Government of Canada supports the largest celebration of Indigenous culture and heritage
WINNIPEG, May 25, 2017 /CNW/ - Dan Vandal, Member of Parliament (Saint-Boniface–Saint-Vital), today announced funding of $2 million to highlight National Aboriginal Day, a celebration of Indigenous culture and heritage that takes place every year on June 21. Mr. Vandal made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. He was accompanied by Jean La Rose, Chief Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).
This support will allow APTN to broadcast National Aboriginal Day Live, a major National Aboriginal Day activity that will be even more spectacular in this year of Canada 150 celebrations. For the first time, shows will be broadcast live from eight cities across the country for lively programming that brings together music and performing arts and bridges traditional and contemporary culture.
During this day of festive activities, Canadians will have the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and remarkable contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
Quotes
"We are proud to support National Aboriginal Day, which will feature exciting events and programming across the country. This is a great opportunity for all Canadians to come together in celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples. I encourage everyone to get involved in the activities taking place in their communities for this special day."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"Our government is proud to support this presentation by APTN of the marvellous celebrations in eight Canadian cities. I encourage all Canadians to take advantage of the National Aboriginal Day celebrations with family and friends and to discover the unique heritage, diverse culture and remarkable achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada. This is the moment for us all to come together to learn more about the history of our country and to celebrate our diversity."
—Dan Vandal, Member of Parliament (Saint-Boniface–Saint-Vital)
"APTN is joining with the Government of Canada to bring the country together and make this National Aboriginal Day the biggest celebration of Indigenous culture and heritage in our shared history. Canada is celebrating 150 years, but we are celebrating much more than 150 years of presence on this territory, the territory of our ancestors. We are looking optimistically toward the next 150 years of growth and development on Turtle Island, and we hope that all Canadians will join us for National Aboriginal Day Live."
—Jean La Rose, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network
Quick Facts
APTN, the only national Aboriginal broadcaster in North America, has presented National Aboriginal Day Live for over 10 years. This activity will be the largest National Aboriginal Day celebration in Canada, and will represent all Indigenous groups and regions in Canada.
Eight urban centres (Halifax, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto*, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Vancouver and Yellowknife) will host National Aboriginal Day Live events on June 21, 2017.
* Toronto will present a major activity in partnership with APTN.
Shows featuring artists from Inuit, Métis and First Nations communities will be presented, along with traditional songs and dances.
Everyone will be able to enjoy these celebrations thanks to a live multi-platform broadcast on television, radio and the Web.
National Aboriginal Day is one of the four major celebrations taking place from coast to coast to coast from June 21 to July 1.
These major celebrations, which will be at the centre of the Canada 150 celebrations, also include Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Fête nationale du Québec et de la Francophonie canadienne (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and the spectacular Canada Day celebration (July 1).
National Aboriginal Day celebrations will also highlight one of the four main themes of Canada 150: reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Canadians will also have a chance to increase their knowledge of the heritage, cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada.
Related Products
| Twelve Days of Celebrations for Our Country's Birthday! |
Associated Links
| Canada 150: Come out and celebrate! |
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| National Aboriginal Day |
http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100013248/1100100013249 |
| National Aboriginal Day Live on APTN |
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Pierre-Olivier Herbert, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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