Aboriginal History Month campaign designation gets support from province
Press Release ...
Saskatchewan Proclaims Aboriginal History Month
June 11, 2007
The Province of Saskatchewan has proclaimed June 2007 as Aboriginal History Month in recognition of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people's contributions to Canada.
"Aboriginal people have made, and continue to make, innumerable contributions to Saskatchewan and Canadian history, culture and society," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to pay tribute to First Nations, Métis and Inuit people and their achievements by designating June 2007 as Aboriginal History Month."
Aboriginal History Month is an initiative of the Regina Aboriginal Professionals Association (RAPA), a non-profit organization with a mission to develop a network of people committed to fostering opportunities for Aboriginal people in education, employment and economic development initiatives within Regina. Aboriginal History Month is also being designated by the City of Regina.
"Raising the social conscience of our communities, bringing positive energy, positive thoughts and sharing our knowledge so that our youth can embrace their Aboriginal heritage to exude confidence are all major reasons for RAPA to lead this provincial and national campaign," RAPA President Joely BigEagle said. "We will continue our campaign to have the month of June designated as Aboriginal History Month by the federal government, and invite all Saskatchewan First Nations, educational institutions and businesses to organize or partner with RAPA for June Aboriginal events."
"It's quite fitting that this initiative originates in Saskatchewan in light of the enormous contributions Saskatchewan Aboriginal people make to areas like politics, the arts and sports," Sonntag said. "The Province is proud to be among the first in Canada to support this exciting initiative."
For more information about RAPA's events and its efforts gain national support for Aboriginal History Month, visit www.rapanetwork.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Shelley Fayant
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-798-4071
Email: sfayant@fnmr.gov.sk.ca.
Joely BigEagle
Regina Aboriginal Professionals Association
Regina
Phone: 306-781-6354
Cell: 306-737-5703