June 21, 2017 

Message from the Governor General of Canada
on the Occasion of National Aboriginal Day 

OTTAWA—Indigenous peoples are reinventing and reshaping Canada in profound ways. Twenty-one years ago, when my predecessor Roméo LeBlanc proclaimed National Aboriginal Day, he spoke of the great contributions of first peoples to our society, past, present and future. But make no mistake, the contributions of Indigenous peoples speak for themselves. 

This past Monday, during a special ceremony at Rideau Hall, I was delighted to honour some of the country’s most dedicated and talented Indigenous leaders. Together, they are working tirelessly in myriad ways to strengthen urban and rural Indigenous communities, to raise awareness of Indigenous histories, cultures, achievements and concerns, and to create an environment in which reconciliation can happen. 

I am pleased to be attending this evening’s Aboriginal Day Live concert in celebration of the diversity of Inuit, Métis and First Nations cultures and traditions from coast to coast to coast. On this very special day, let us take this opportunity to honour the Indigenous peoples of this land. I wish everyone a wonderful celebration. 

David Johnston 

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National Aboriginal Day is celebrated every year on June 21.

Media information:

Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
613-302-0912 (cell.)
marie-eve.letourneau@gg.ca

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