Statement from Minister Carolyn Bennett for Indigenous Book Club Month and National Indigenous History Month

OTTAWA, June 1, 2018 /CNW/ - The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Carolyn Bennett, issued the following statement today:

"During the month of June, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada from coast-to-coast-to-coast will come together to celebrate, learn and reflect. June 1st marks the beginning of National Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Book Club Month and on the 21^st we will celebrate the first National‎ Indigenous Peoples Day‎.

This month is the time for all of us to learn more about the cultures, traditions, rights and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada and to work together to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship with and amongst Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.

National Indigenous History Month is a time to recognize the importance of Indigenous values and cultures in strengthening and enriching our national fabric. It is also a time to reflect on the past and learn from mistakes to find meaningful solutions that make for a better future.

This year marks the third anniversary of Indigenous Book Club Month, in which we encourage book clubs coast-to-coast-to-coast to choose a book by an Indigenous author to provide an opportunity to learn and ‎begin those difficult conversations about the stories, history and cultures which we never learned about in school.‎

We encourage you to join us by ‎adding a book by an Indigenous author to your summer reading list and sharing your experience on social media with #IndigenousReads. Look for #IndigenousReads book recommendations throughout the month of June and get involved in the conversation!

On June 21^st, join in the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day by participating in an event in your area. This year there will be hundreds of National Indigenous Peoples Day events happening coast-to-coast-to-coast – endless opportunities to learn and grow together as a Nation and make new friends.

We hope that this June more and more Canadians will take that first step on their journey of reconciliation by reading a book, seeing a film, or making a new First Nation, Inuit or Métis friend.  

As we embark on the next 150 years of Canada, we hope the recognition of Indigenous rights will become ‎part of the identity of all Canadians. 

SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

media may contact: James Fitz-Morris, Director of Communications and Issues Management, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; CIRNAC Media Relations, 819-953-1160