June 16, 2015
Manitoba Government Hosts Aboriginal Day Celebrations at the Legislative Building
Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson announced he is hosting a provincial celebration in honour of Aboriginal Day today on the south Legislative grounds.
“The event is a celebration of the survival of Indigenous peoples,” Minister Robinson said. “In advance of the annual National Aboriginal Day on June 21, today we are also marking the 25th anniversary of the death of the Meech Lake Accord and recognizing those involved. All Manitobans are welcome to attend today’s event.”
Minister Robinson noted that although most provinces do not recognize National Aboriginal Day as a statutory holiday, it is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Opening the festivities will be the Spirit Sands Drum Group and special guests include Chief Francine Meeches, Attorney General Gord Mackintosh and former AFN Grand Chief Phil Fontaine.
Today’s festivities will also include a feature performance by the popular country group C-Weed Band.
“It’s important the Manitoba government acknowledges the important role that Indigenous people have played in building our province and it’s also important to recognize the important role Indigenous people will play in the future,” Minister Robinson added.
Today’s festivities also coincide with the 25th anniversary of the debate over the Meech Lake Accord, and the moment when the late Manitoba MLA Elijah Harper held up an eagle feather and said “no” to the proposed Meech Lake Accord, Minister Robinson noted.
“His actions marked a new era of Indigenous leadership. It was soon after that historic moment when First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people took their rightful spot on the national stage of politics,” Minister Robinson said, “All Manitobans are welcome to attend today’s festivities where they can see, enjoy and celebrate Indigenous culture”.
In 1996, then Governor General Roméo LeBlanc proclaimed June 21 as National Aboriginal Day for the first time, and it was celebrated for the first time in that year. The minister noted that this coming Saturday there will be a celebration at the Forks featuring an Aboriginal Day Competition Pow Wow and a free evening concert.
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