Minister Geoffrey Kelley emphasizes the 21st National Aboriginal Day

Québec City, June 20, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - To mark the 21^st edition of National Aboriginal Day, the Québec government wishes to bring particular attention to the training of government employees to reflect its determination to enhance its service offer to Aboriginal and Inuit clienteles. This June 21, a day-long training session on Aboriginal realities for public service employees has been organized by the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérier in collaboration with the Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones, assisted by specialists from the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

Minister Kelley is also inviting the public to visit the REGALIA – Native Pride exhibition presented at the Édifice Marie-Guyart until the 22^nd of June. This magnificent photography exhibition highlights the beauty of the ceremonial garments of Aboriginal dancers and the important symbolic value attached to the original regalia.

National Aboriginal Day was announced in 1996 by the federal government. Since this proclamation, the day of the summer solstice, June 21^st has marked the celebration of the Aboriginal peoples of Quebec and Canada. This special occasion marks the unique heritage, cultural diversity and the remarkable achievements of Aboriginal peoples in our country.

"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada marked the beginning of a significant process that National Aboriginal Day reflects more than ever. In particular, it enables us to put into practice the aims of the Government Action Plan for the Social and Cultural Development of the First Nations and Inuit, especially from the standpoint of a more  relevant service offer that is reassuring from a cultural standpoint. The REGALIA – Native Pride exhibition broaches a festive facet of the Aboriginal cultures and reveals its diversity."

Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs

Source:

Mylène Gaudreau Press Officer Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs 418-454-1226

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre responsable des Affaires autochtones

Mylène Gaudreau, Press Officer, Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, 418-454-1226