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PE Government: Honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day Together

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by ahnationtalk on June 21, 2021164 Views


Learning more about the history, traditions and culture of the PEI Mi’kmaq and Indigenous peoples of this Province will expand Islanders’ understanding of Canadian history.

“June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Canada. It has always been a time to celebrate First Nations and our many contributions. This year, it is also a time to acknowledge the ongoing injustice and pain of our shared colonial history including the discovery of the remains of 215 children in BC.,” said Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation. “I hope Islanders take initiative to learn about our shared history, our full history, and think about the necessary actions that need to be taken to truly understand and reconcile our past. I recommended taking the time to learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action as well as the 231 Calls to Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.”

“This day, this month, and every day that follows, it is my hope that people take the time to educate themselves to learn, to share, to really understand not just our culture, art, and traditions – but our full story, the real story,” added Chief Junior Gould of Abegweit First Nation. “This includes our shared colonial history and the serious issues and injustices faced by Indigenous peoples across this country. Our Indigenous history is Canadian history, and much of it has been hidden for far too long. I am calling on Islanders and all Canadians to take it upon themselves to learn more, think critically and take action.”

For 25 years, the Government of Canada has recognized June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day, where Islanders and Canadians are invited to gain a better awareness of Indigenous history, cultures and contributions First Nations, Inuit and Métis People have made across the nation.

In partnership with L’nuey (link is external), ten additional heritage signs have been placed in Bedeque, Cape Egmont, Kensington, Mill River, Orwell, Rice Point, Point Prim, Murray Harbour, Montague, and Souris to complement those installed last year. These permanent fixtures give all Islanders and visitors the opportunity to learn more about the shared history between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of Prince Edward Island.

“In recent weeks, Islanders and Canadians alike have been shaken by the findings of the unmarked graves in Kamloops, British Columbia. We are at a pivotal moment in Canadian history and one of the first things we must all do is take a closer look at our past. On this National Indigenous Peoples Day, and every day moving forward, I am calling on all Islanders to ask the necessary questions to learn more about the complete history of this country. Together, by addressing the harms of the past, we will be in a better position to move forward into tomorrow with Indigenous peoples in Prince Edward Island and across our nation.”

– Premier Dennis King

To learn more about the Province’s work with PEI Mi’kmaq, visit: Indigenous Relations Secretariat.

Media contact:
Vicki Tse
Executive Council of Prince Edward Island
vickitse@gov.pe.ca (link sends e-mail)

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