Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, celebrates National Aboriginal Day
June 21, 2016, Gatineau, Quebec – The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, shared her enthusiasm on the occasion of National Aboriginal Day:
I offer greetings from the traditional territory of the Algonquin people as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day. The summer solstice is a significant day for Indigenous people across our country.
This special day allows Canadians to learn more about the culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people that have helped shape our wonderful country. I have personally grown through my relationship with my friends in the Métis Nation Homeland.
I was very pleased to participate in a sunrise ceremony, early this morning, to mark the start of National Aboriginal Day.
In the spirit of establishing a new nation to nation relationship with Indigenous people, our government is determined to make a positive change in the lives of Indigenous Canadians. Earlier this spring, I was pleased to introduce new one-time investments and improvements in Indigenous training and employment programs which will help Indigenous people get the skills they need to contribute and participate in our economic prosperity.
Across the country this summer, you will also see more Indigenous youth working in our communities thanks to a major investment in the Canada Summer Jobs program.
I look forward to engaging further with Indigenous people and our partners to ensure our programs, including the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, help improve the lives of Indigenous people. I encourage you all to participate in the various National Aboriginal Day events taking place in your community.
Happy National Aboriginal Day everyone!
