Liberal Statement on National Aboriginal History Month

June 3, 2013

OTTAWA– Liberal Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development critic Carolyn Bennett made the following statement today on National Aboriginal History Month:

“This month we take time to reflect on the central and vital contributions that Aboriginal Peoples have made – and are making – to Canada.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation, and in that context, it is important to remind ourselves of the nation-to-nation relationship enshrined within that document.

Honouring the spirit of this original relationship, based on partnership, respect and cooperation for mutual benefit, is not only the responsibility of elected politicians, but of every Canadian from coast to coast to coast.

This was the central message of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which stated, ‘Canadians have been denied a full and proper education as to the nature of Aboriginal societies, and the history of the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.’

To ensure a more prosperous common future, Liberals encourage the federal government, Parliamentarians and all Canadians to foster and support greater understanding about the role Aboriginal Peoples have played in our shared history.”