Minister Valcourt Celebrates Canada Day with First Nations in Miramichi, NB

MIRAMICHI, NB, July 1, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, was pleased to spend Canada Day in Miramichi, New Brunswick. Minister Valcourt joined New Brunswick Lieutenant Governor Graydon Nicholas, Premier David Alward, Assembly of First Nations Regional Vice Chief Roger Augustine and a number of Chiefs and Elders at the third annual Fishermen's Pow Wow, along the shores of the Miramichi river.

Our Government is investing $12,500 to establish a sustainability strategy that will help to continue this annual event that celebrates a new era of goodwill around fisheries in New Brunswick. This gathering commemorates the significance of the fishing industry within New Brunswick's history and the regional economy, while bringing the community together in celebration of local culture.

Quick Facts

• The Pow Wow - started by Regional Vice Chief Augustine in 2012 – is meant to bring together individuals of Aboriginal, Acadian, Irish and Scottish descent to commemorate and renew alliances.
• This is the second time Minister Valcourt has represented the Government of Canada at the Fishermen's Pow Wow.

Quotes
"Our Government is proud to work with its First Nations Partners in New Brunswick to celebrate and support local culture and heritage. Events like the Fisherman's Pow Wow and Canada Day are important because they bring together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members of the community, which strengthens reconciliation. It is also an opportunity  to embrace the history of the region, while  providing tourism opportunities"

Honourable Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Andrea Richer, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160; You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds or e-mail. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.