OTTAWA,
ON, June 21, 2024 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister,
Justin Trudeau, today issued the
following statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day:
"Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the
rich histories, heritage, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit,
and Métis across Canada.
Celebrated on the first day of summer, this day is of great
significance for Indigenous Peoples. It's a day to celebrate the
mosaic of traditions, languages, and cultures that have shaped and
continue to shape Canada. Many
Indigenous communities will hold ceremonies with cultural
celebrations, vibrant displays of art, and traditional
storytelling.
"Despite past attempts by Canada to erase Indigenous cultures,
traditions, and languages, Indigenous Peoples persevered. Today, we
celebrate their achievements, their courage, and their unwavering
resilience.
"I spent the day in We'koqma'q, Nova
Scotia, where we announced the delivery of more than
$16 million per year in increased funding to Mi'kmaw
Kina'matnewey to maintain, repair, and replace their existing
education infrastructure. This funding will help ensure
communities, including approximately 3,000 students, have the
resources they need to succeed while remaining connected to Mi'kmaw
culture and language. It will support improved quality of life,
reduce poverty, and build a more resilient and fair local
economy.
"A fairer future for every generation of Indigenous Peoples
includes better access to education and good-paying jobs. With
renewed Nation-to-Nation, Government-to-Government, and Inuit-Crown
relationships, we are creating thousands of jobs, generating
economic opportunity for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis
communities, and closing the education infrastructure gaps that
have affected Indigenous communities for far too long. Our
government is here as a partner.
"One year ago today, we released the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action
Plan 2023-2028. Developed in consultation and co-operation with
First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty Partners from across
Canada, the Action Plan serves as
our roadmap to achieving lasting change in our relationship with
Indigenous Peoples. With Budget 2024, we're building on this
work by introducing new measures to support Indigenous communities
in accessing culturally appropriate health care as well as
education, housing, and economic opportunities.
"Today also marks the fifth anniversary of the Indigenous
Languages Act, a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts
to reclaim, revitalize, maintain, and strengthen Indigenous
languages across the country. Languages are a source of strength
and renewal for Indigenous Peoples, and through Budget 2024,
we're making investments that support Indigenous communities in
preserving their languages and ensuring they're never lost
again.
"On National Indigenous Peoples Day, I invite Canadians to learn
more about Indigenous cultures, participate in an event, and join
the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #NIPD2024.
Let us commit to celebrating Indigenous contributions, Indigenous
ways of knowing and being, and Indigenous traditions – every single
day. And let us challenge ourselves, as a country, to reconcile our
past and build a better, fairer future – together."
This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca
SOURCE Prime Minister's Office