Celebrate National Aboriginal Day In Ontario
June 19, 2009 11:57 AM
McGuinty Government Encourages Ontarians To Experience Aboriginal Culture
June 21 is National Aboriginal Day, an excellent opportunity to enjoy the numerous Aboriginal cultural events taking place across the province.
Aboriginal people, culture and accomplishments have played an integral role in the history of this province. The Ontario government is proud to honour these contributions and to continue moving forward to develop stronger, more positive relationships with Aboriginal people.
Events and activities highlighting the rich and unique cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit, including traditional drumming and dancing ceremonies, fiddle performances and arts and crafts shows, are held all across the country throughout the month of June.
QUICK FACTS
- June 21 was chosen as National Aboriginal Day because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice, the first day of summer.
- The name Ontario comes from an Iroquois word meaning beautiful lake or beautiful water and was first used for Lake Ontario.
- An estimated 296,500 Aboriginal people live in Ontario, representing 21 per cent of Canada's total Aboriginal population.
- The Aboriginal population in Ontario grew by 28.7 per cent between 2001 and 2006 - over four times the rate of growth of the general population.
CONTACTS
- Greg Flood
Communications Branch
416-314-9455
greg.flood@ontario.ca
- Scott Cavan
Minister's Office
416-314-7395
scott.cavan@ontario.ca
ontario.ca/aboriginal
"National Aboriginal Day and the activities taking place this month give all Ontarians a chance to experience and celebrate rich and traditional Aboriginal culture."
– Brad Duguid
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
"Ontario is richer from the vast contributions made by Aboriginal people. National Aboriginal Day is a day in which we celebrate and honour their unique cultures and traditions. This day is a reminder of the impact their traditions and accomplishments have made on the province."
– Jeff Leal
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
Communities
