What Is National Aboriginal Day And Publication Info 915473

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 the Assembly 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 cooperation 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 the Assembly 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 Canada program, 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.

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National Aboriginal Day (NAD), celebrated annually on June 21st, signifies a dedicated recognition of the rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, and notable contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada. Established in 1996, NAD was conceived as a response to longstanding calls from Indigenous organizations, community leaders, and governmental bodies advocating for a formal day to honor Indigenous peoples and their cultures within Canadian society. This day aligns with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, which holds informal cultural significance for many Aboriginal communities who have historically celebrated this time as a period of cultural reaffirmation and spiritual observance.

The recognition of NAD was rooted in various historical advocacy efforts. In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood—now known as the Assembly of First Nations—initially called for a national solidarity day to foster Indigenous unity. Later, in 1995, both the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and the Sacred Assembly, chaired by Elijah Harper, recommended establishing a day dedicated to Aboriginal peoples’ contributions. These initiatives led the Canadian government, under then-Governor General Roméo LeBlanc, to officially proclaim June 21 as NAD. The proclamation was formalized through his representation, emphasizing the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal rights and the importance of celebrating their cultural distinctiveness.

Significantly, NAD embodies principles of reconciliation and respect, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the tremendous contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian history, culture, and social development. These contributions span a broad spectrum, including advancements in arts, governance, environmental stewardship, and resilience in facing historical challenges such as colonization and systemic marginalization. The day serves as an educational platform for fostering understanding and appreciation among all Canadians, promoting inter-cultural dialogue, and encouraging grassroots participation in culturally meaningful activities.

The Government of Canada's support for NAD involves a collaborative approach. NAD is integrated within the Celebrate Canada program, which includes notable ethnic and cultural celebrations like Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day, and Canada Day. Various federal departments, particularly Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and Canadian Heritage, coordinate efforts to promote and facilitate Indigenous celebrations nationwide. AANDC plays a crucial role in providing resources, organizing community events, and fostering innovative ways for Indigenous groups to showcase their cultural practices. Simultaneously, Canadian Heritage offers funding opportunities for community-led activities, thus promoting broader participation and visibility.

The proclamation signed by the Governor General in 1996 underscored the significance of NAD. It articulated the Government's commitment to honoring Indigenous rights, acknowledging their vital role in the fabric of Canadian identity, and fostering a spirit of mutual respect. This formal recognition marks a pivotal step in national efforts toward reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the unique identities and cultural contributions of Indigenous peoples. Moreover, it reinforces the ongoing commitment of the Canadian government to advance Indigenous rights, address historical injustices, and promote a more inclusive society that values cultural diversity.

In recent years, NAD has expanded beyond symbolic acknowledgment to include a wide range of community-led activities such as cultural festivals, educational workshops, traditional performances, and storytelling sessions. These events aim to celebrate Indigenous heritage, educate the broader public, and build bridges of understanding. Moreover, the day serves as a reminder of the path toward reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue, partnership, and respect between Indigenous communities and the Canadian state.

References

• Assembly of First Nations. (2019). The History and Significance of National Aboriginal Day. Ottawa: AFN Publications.
• Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. (1996). Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Ottawa: Government of Canada.
• Government of Canada. (2015). Celebrate Canada: Handbook and Initiatives. Ottawa: Department of Canadian Heritage.
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. (2020). Indigenous Heritage and Cultural Celebrations. Ottawa: ITK.
• Harper, Elijah. (1995). The Call for a National Holiday: Promoting Indigenous Contributions. Winnipeg: Indigenous Publishing.
• Roméo LeBlanc. (1996). Proclamation of National Aboriginal Day. Ottawa: Government of Canada.
• Canadian Heritage. (2018). Supporting Cultural Diversity: Programs and Funding Opportunities. Ottawa.
• Assembly of First Nations. (2018). Indigenous Contributions to Canadian Society. Ottawa.
• Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. (2017). Indigenous Heritage and Celebratory Initiatives. Ottawa.
• Statistics Canada. (2021). Cultural Participation Among Indigenous Peoples. Ottawa: StatCan Publications.