Statement by Minister Carolyn Bennett at the launch of the reconciliation theme for Canada150 on the Winter Solstice

ST. JOHN'S, Dec. 22, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, issued the following statement:

"Yesterday, on the winter solstice, we launched the reconciliation theme of the Canada150 year-long celebration. It's a time for Canadians to reflect on our past and also reflect on the need to renew the relationship with Indigenous peoples grounded in the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. 

As Gord Downie reminded Canadians during his Secret Path performances, "We have 150 years behind us that we need to learn from and we've got 150 years ahead, and we'd better just get to work."

Last week we reaffirmed our commitment to advancing long-term reconciliation marking the one-year anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Final Report. The Prime Minister proudly highlighted the progress that our government has made on the Calls to Action. Canada150 is an opportunity for all Canadians to see their role in Reconciliation.

‎We are thrilled by the Canada150 Signature projects of Indspire, Reconciliation Canada and 4Rs Youth Movement that are spreading the important conversation of Reconciliation from coast to coast to coast. Yesterday we started in St. John's. We will continue the reconciliation conversation within Canada150 through the Summer Solstice on National Indigenous Day June 21 until we conclude next year at the winter solstice in the Yukon. 

I invite you take a look and share this Canada150 video. Let's get to work Canada!"

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SOURCE Government of Canada

media may contact, Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160