JUNE 21... NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY

June 21 is National Aboriginal Day... or as I prefer to think of it... National First People’s Day. The later recognizes distinctions between First Peoples as many nations who each has their own unique and inherent rights rather than the inference of one nation of native peoples. Either way it is an important day to recognize and honour the first peoples of the land.

The call for a national day of recognition for first peoples began in 1982 when the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of such a day. The province of Quebec recognized the day in 1990. The 1995 Royal Commission and the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, chaired by Elijah Harper, also called for a national day of recognition. In June 1996 a National Aboriginal Day was formally declared by then Governor General, Romeo LeBlanc.

June 21 also serves as a reminder that social movements continue to be needed to act in solidarity with First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples in their pursuit of respect, dignity and fairness.

The Assembly of First Nations has also called for a National Day of Action, to take place on Friday June 29th. This day of action is an opportunity for all residents of Canada to stand together in support of a better life for the first peoples of this land.

The Assemble of First Nations has set out a path for the way forward with four much needed actions that can truly create meaningful opportunities for change. Their action plan calls for governments to:

1. Resolve land claims disputes – There is a need for Canada to recognize that land – particularly long standing and unresolved land claims, provides a viable community and resource base for First Nations communities. With over 600 First Nation communities spread across the country and an estimated 900 specific land claims unresolved (breach of treaty rights) it is estimated at the current pace of negotiations it will be another century before these claims are resolved. Clearly this is an untenable time frame to wait for justice.


2. Reform self-government policy to enable a renewal of the relationship between First Nations and Canada.


3. Close the gap in socioeconomic status between aboriginal peoples, and other Canadians. Currently one in four First Nations children live in poverty, compared to one in six Canadian children. Employment and economic development are fundamental to the future prosperity of First Nations communities and Canada overall.


4. Apologize to residential school survivors who are still waiting for the Prime Minister of Canada to close the chapter on this shameful history in a way that is honourable.

Canadians are asked to join in this four point call to action because Canadians like First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples wants to build bridges not blockades with all the peoples of this land.

June 21st marks National Aboriginal Day – a moment in time to recognize and honour the important contributions of Aboriginal people’s original and central place in this land, in our communities and in our workplaces.

June 29th marks a day when Canadians can stand together with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in peaceful solidarity to call upon the governments of Canada to walk the way forward on an honourable path that will truly improve the quality of life for those whose lives are intimately connected with the land.

For more information on the June 29th day of action check out:

http://www.afn.ca/nda.htm

HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE....

Write the Prime Minister, the Minister of Indian Affairs Jim Prentice and your local Member of Parliament to tell them you support justice and fairness for First Nations, and that you want the Government of Canada to work in partnership with First Nations to resolve long-standing issues. You can send your comments by e-mail to pm@pm.gc.ca or write the Prime Minister’s office at:

Office of the Prime Minister, 80 Wellington Street, OttawaK1A 0A2

Remember: you do not need to put a stamp on a letter to the Prime Minister. Letters are delivered for free!

Sources: Canadian Labour Congress, AFN, Turtle Island News.