Statement from Ministers Carolyn Bennett, Marc Miller and Daniel Vandal on National Indigenous Peoples Day

OTTAWA, ON, June 21, 2020 /CNW/ - The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services; and the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs issued the following statement to commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day today:

"Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the unique histories, cultures and traditions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and communities. Our country has been, and will continue to be, shaped by their knowledge, determination, resiliency and leadership. 

Normally, we would gather in person in communities across Canada to honour and celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The realities of COVID-19 have meant that the way we celebrate in 2020 is different than in past years, though we can still learn from stories, share in traditions and culture in new ways that keep us together and connected, even though we are apart.  

National Indigenous Peoples Day is both an acknowledgment of Indigenous cultures and traditions and  a sign of the resiliency of Indigenous peoples. There are many ways that non-Indigenous peoples can learn more about our shared history, gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge, values and teachings, and to celebrate Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast.

Indigenous peoples are at the core, the very foundation, of Canada today. We continue to work to renew our relationship with Indigenous peoples based on the affirmation of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership, and in  support of Indigenous peoples vision of self-determination.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, we encourage you to take time to learn more about the history, traditions and cultures of Indigenous peoples today, and every day.

We wish you a happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!"

For access to additional Indigenous languages, contact us at [email protected]

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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)

media may contact: Emily Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, 819-997-0002; Vanessa Adams, Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, 343-543-7645; Allison St.Jean, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, 819-953-1153; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [email protected]; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160, [email protected]

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