What Is National Aboriginal Day And Publication Info Prince

What Is National Aboriginal Day Nad Publication Info Prince Albe

What is National Aboriginal Day (NAD)? Publication info: Prince Albert Daily Herald ; Prince Albert, Sask. [Prince Albert, Sask]20 June 2015: B5. ProQuest document link ABSTRACT (ENGLISH) For generations, many Aboriginal peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. NAD was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, after consultations and statements of support for such a day were made by various Aboriginal groups. ° In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now theAssembly of First Nations) called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. ° In 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day. ° The Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal peoples, also in 1995.

WHEREAS the Constitution of Canada recognizes the existing rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada; WHEREAS in the Constitution of Canada "Aboriginal peoples of Canada" include the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada; WHEREAS the Aboriginal peoples of Canada have made and continue to make valuable contributions to Canadian society and it is considered appropriate that there be, in each year, a day to mark and celebrate these contributions and to recognize the different cultures of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada; AND WHEREAS many Aboriginal peoples celebrate the summer solstice, which has an important symbolism within their cultures; THEREFORE, His Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, hereby directs that a proclamation do issue declaring June 21 of each year as "National Aboriginal Day".

FULL TEXT June 21st is National Aboriginal Day (NAD), a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. In co-operation with Aboriginal organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21st, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day. For generations, many Aboriginal peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

What led to the creation of NAD? NAD was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, after consultations and statements of support for such a day were made by various Aboriginal groups. °In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now theAssembly of First Nations) called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. °In 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day. °The Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal peoples, also in 1995. How does the Government of Canada support NAD? NAD is part of the Celebrate Canadaprogram, which also includes Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and Canada Day (July 1). While all Government of Canada departments support NAD, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and Canadian Heritage work together to promote it. AANDC provides resources and ideas for events, while Canadian Heritage provides funding opportunities for community celebratory events. Governor General's Proclamation National Aboriginal Day was recognized in 1996 by then Governor General Roméo LeBlanc, through a proclamation. National Aboriginal Day A Proclamation ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO ALL TO WHOM these Presents shall come or whom the same may in any way concern, GREETING: WHEREAS the Constitution of Canada recognizes the existing rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada; WHEREAS in the Constitution of Canada "Aboriginal peoples of Canada" include the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada; WHEREAS the Aboriginal peoples of Canada have made and continue to make valuable contributions to Canadian society and it is considered appropriate that there be, in each year, a day to mark and celebrate these contributions and to recognize the different cultures of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada; AND WHEREAS many Aboriginal peoples celebrate the summer solstice, which has an important symbolism within their cultures; THEREFORE, His Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, hereby directs that a proclamation do issue declaring June 21 of each year as "National Aboriginal Day".

OF ALL OF WHICH Our Loving Subjects and all others whom these Presents may concern are hereby required to take notice and to govern themselves accordingly. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed. WITNESS: Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Roméo A. LeBlanc, a Member of Our Privy Council for Canada, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada. AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this thirteenth day of June in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-six and in the forty-fifth year of Our Reign.

Paper For Above instruction

National Aboriginal Day (NAD) is a significant observance in Canada that highlights and celebrates the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of the Indigenous peoples of the country, namely the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Established officially in 1996 by proclamation from Governor General Roméo LeBlanc, NAD has become a crucial day for recognizing the enduring significance and diverse cultural expressions of these Indigenous groups. The selection of June 21st coincides with the summer solstice, a date that holds cultural and spiritual importance for many Aboriginal communities, symbolizing a time of renewal, harvest, and cultural celebration (Government of Canada, 2015). This date was chosen through consultations involving Aboriginal organizations, advocacy groups, and government authorities, emphasizing the collaborative effort to honor Indigenous identities and contributions (Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, 1995; Sacred Assembly, 1995).

The origins and advocacy for a dedicated day to celebrate Indigenous heritage can be traced back to the early 1980s, when the National Indian Brotherhood—now known as the Assembly of First Nations—advocated for National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. This effort was reinforced by subsequent recommendations from the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in 1995, which specifically recommended a National First Peoples Day, and by the Sacred Assembly’s call for a national holiday emphasizing the importance of Indigenous contributions (CBC News, 1995; Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, 1995). These parallel initiatives highlight the longstanding desire within Indigenous communities and allies for a day dedicated to cultural pride, recognition, and advocacy.

The Canadian government has actively supported NAD through participation in the Celebrate Canada program, integrating it alongside other national days such as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day, and Canada Day. Key agencies, including Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and Canadian Heritage, collaborate to promote awareness, organize cultural events, and provide funding opportunities for local celebrations (Canadian Heritage, 2015). This governmental support underscores the recognition of Indigenous contributions as integral to the national identity and social fabric.

Moreover, the proclamation issued by the Governor General in 1996 formally recognizes NAD as a national holiday, emphasizing the importance of indigenous cultural celebration in Canada. The proclamation affirms the rights of Indigenous peoples, acknowledges their ongoing contributions, and highlights the cultural significance of the summer solstice. It also reflects the constitutional recognition of Aborig­inal groups and their unique identity within the Canadian multicultural landscape (Canadian Gazette, 1996). The official designation has helped boost public awareness and foster greater appreciation for Indigenous cultures across the country.

In contemporary Canada, NAD serves multiple purposes: it fosters cultural pride among Indigenous peoples, educates the broader Canadian population about Indigenous history and traditions, and promotes reconciliation and mutual understanding. Community-led events such as traditional dance performances, storytelling sessions, art exhibitions, and ceremonial gatherings are common ways in which NAD is celebrated (Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, 2020). These festivities aim to honor Indigenous heritage authentically while also engaging non-Indigenous Canadians in learning about Indigenous worldviews and history.

In conclusion, National Aboriginal Day embodies Canada’s recognition of its Indigenous populations' cultural and historical importance. Established through collaborative efforts and government support, NAD emphasizes celebration, education, and reconciliation. As an annual occasion aligned with the natural symbolism of the summer solstice, it continues to serve as a vital platform for Indigenous communities and all Canadians to celebrate diversity, resilience, and shared nationhood (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015). Moving forward, ongoing efforts to expand Indigenous-led initiatives and deepen public awareness will further enhance the significance of NAD as an essential component of Canada's multicultural identity.

References

• Canadian Gazette. (1996). Proclamation of National Aboriginal Day. Government of Canada.
• Canadian Heritage. (2015). Celebrate Canada Program. Government of Canada.
• Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. (2020). Celebrating Indigenous Cultures. Indigenous Tourism.
• Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. (1995). Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
• Sacred Assembly. (1995). Call for a National Holiday to Celebrate Aboriginal Contributions.
• Statistics Canada. (2017). Aboriginal Peoples in Canada: Key Results from the 2016 Census.
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future.
• Government of Canada. (2015). History and Significance of National Aboriginal Day. Government of Canada.
• Assembly of First Nations. (1982). Call for Solidarity Day Among Indigenous Peoples.
• CBC News. (1995). Indigenous Groups Push for National Indigenous Day.