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NUPGE celebrates National Aboriginal Day: June 21

"We value the partnerships we have formed over the years with Aboriginal workers and Aboriginal communities," Clancy says.

Ottawa (19 June 2013) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is pleased to encourage all members to join with Aboriginal Peoples and Canadians across the country in celebrating National Aboriginal Day on June 21.

National Aboriginal Day honours achievements

National Aboriginal Day is marked each year on the same date to honour the achievements of Aboriginal Peoples in all areas, including the arts, language, reverence for the land and spirituality.

NUPGE President James Clancy says the day is a celebration that benefits Canadians on many levels.

NUPGE fights to end discrimination in the workplace and in society

"We value the partnerships we have formed over the years with Aboriginal workers and Aboriginal communities," Clancy says.

"As a national union, we advocate for full equality and human rights. Many ways people across this country achieve equality is through the community-based social services provided to help cope with daily challenges. Relying on the services help people fully participate in society with dignity. We will continue to fight to preserve and expand these vital services."

Proclaimed in 1996

June 21 was first proclaimed in 1996 as an annual occasion to recognize the diverse cultures and outstanding contributions to Canada of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Collectively these groups make up the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada.

The date was selected for several reasons, including the fact that it coincides with the summer solstice.

In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of a National Aboriginal Solidarity Day to be celebrated on June 21. In 1995, a similar recommendation was made by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. It called for a National First Peoples Day to be designated.

Also in 1995, a national conference of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, known as The Sacred Assembly, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal Peoples to Canada. The first National Aboriginal Day was proclaimed by the Governor General the following year.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE