GG, federal Aboriginal Affairs minister urge Canadians to celebrate National Aboriginal Day

Gov. Gen. David Johnston shakes hands with City of Iqaluit staff and representatives from local charitable organizations last August. (FILE PHOTO)

(updated at 11:30 a.m.)

Governor General David Johnston urges Canadians to celebrate June 21, National Aboriginal Day, saying he will spend the day in Ottawa visiting an aboriginal friendship centre and hosting an evening concert of aboriginal performers at Rideau Hall.

“Each year, National Aboriginal Day provides us with an opportunity to honour and to celebrate the many rich and varied cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples,” Johnston said. “Doing so reminds us that the story of Canada — one of diverse peoples, striving to live together in peace and harmony — began with the Aboriginal experience.”

Johnston said he “strongly believe[s] that diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths.”

“As the earliest Canadian settlers quickly realized, the cultures and traditions of aboriginal peoples represent a great source of learning and wisdom. Though our circumstances today have changed considerably, aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians alike continue to learn a great deal from one another. This is as it should be, because our greatest potential lies in what we have yet to learn.”

“As governor general, I have been privileged to meet with aboriginal peoples in communities across Canada. As with our past and present, our future in this land will be shared. On this and every day, I encourage all Canadians to celebrate Aboriginal peoples and cultures for all that they add to our country.”

National Aboriginal Day was proclaimed in 1996 by former governor general, Roméo Leblanc.

In a June 21 statement, John Duncan, minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, also encouraged Canadians from across the country to come together to join in National Aboriginal Day festivities.

You can read more about the 2012 National Aboriginal activities in Nunavut here.

National Aboriginal Day also begins the 11-day “Celebrate Canada” program, which takes place during National Aboriginal History Month and offers Canadians even more opportunities “to better understand cultural diversity and unique accomplishments of First Nations, Métis and Inuit,” Duncan said.

On June 21, Statistics Canada released an overview of Canada’s aboriginal population.

The percentage increase in the aboriginal population between 1996 and 2006 stands at 45 per cent, StatsCan said.

This rate of increase is nearly six times faster than the eight per cent rate of increase for the non-aboriginal population.

Its growth can be attributed to higher birth rates, and the fact that more individuals are identifying themselves as aboriginals, StatsCan said.

In Canada, according to 2006 numbers, there are:

• 389,785 Métis;

• 698,025 First Nations people; and,

• 50,485 Inuit