Published on : Monday, June 23, 2014
Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad issued the following statement to mark National Aboriginal Day (NAD):
“National Aboriginal Day is an important and unique day across Canada and British Columbia. Today is about honouring, preserving and celebrating the many First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures throughout our country.
“Working to preserve and share Aboriginal languages through opportunities like Our Living Languages is an important part of building a new understanding and relationship for us all in British Columbia. B.C. is home to 60% of Canada’s First Nations languages, including 32 languages and 61 dialects, making the province one of the most linguistically diverse regions on the planet. Revitalizing these languages is vital to maintaining cultural identity, health and well-being for Aboriginal peoples.
“National Aboriginal Day is also an important reminder of the fundamental role of the Aboriginal community in our socio-economic structure and how imperative it is to close the gaps that exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in our society.
“We are laying a strong foundation to address these gaps by cultivating healthy relationships based on mutual trust, understanding and reconciliation. I recently joined the Premier and Aboriginal leaders as we signed a memorandum of understanding recognizing our shared responsibility and accountability in ending violence against Aboriginal women and girls.
“Our government remains committed to working with the Aboriginal community on decisions that affect them and to creating economic and social opportunities where Aboriginal people benefit from B.C.’s prosperity.
“In fact, in addition to pursuing long-term treaty agreements, the Premier has mandated that, as Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, I continue work with B.C.’s First Nations on reaching non-treaty agreements, including revenue-sharing and shared decision-making, so First Nations and all British Columbians can benefit from economic opportunities presented to us through B.C.’s rich resources.
“We have surpassed our goal of 10 new, non-treaty agreements being signed with First Nations by 2015, in addition to the 10 set out in the BC Jobs Plan, and have now reached 31 non-treaty agreements since 2011. This is evidence of our commitment to collaboration and reconciliation with Aboriginal people.
“It is through these government-to-government relationships and partnerships that we will all realize B.C.’s true potential. They provide an avenue for First Nations to participate in, and benefit from, the economy and give investment certainty to industry.
“These solid relationships also pave the way for us to close the gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal British Columbians. Working together allows us better focus on improving Aboriginal education, provide skills training for Aboriginal communities and move forward with programs and services that help preserve and promote Aboriginal cultures and traditions.
“I encourage all British Columbians to join me in celebrating the heritage and diversity of Aboriginal people and communities in B.C. and in wishing them a very happy National Aboriginal Day.”
Tags: british columbia, National Aboriginal Day
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