NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY HONOURS A SHARED FUTURE

People across Saskatchewan are gathering today to share in the diverse cultural heritage of the province. National Aboriginal Day is a time for us to appreciate the energy, creativity and beauty in the collective history of the province and to look forward.

"Saskatchewan is a place we all call home, and it is enriched by the cultures we celebrate on National Aboriginal Day," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "I want to encourage everyone to share in the celebrations and experience what others around the world visit our province and country to see."

Saskatchewan proclaimed 2010 as Year of the Métis as a way to build awareness of the significant contributions made by Métis people in the early formation of Saskatchewan as well as today. In addition, the province welcomes the opportunity to acknowledge the traditions of Saskatchewan's First Nations people, the original residents of our province.

Along with the array of cultural events, there is another reason to appreciate the significance of National Aboriginal Day.

The province's economic future is tied to the health and well-being of Aboriginal peoples. Statistics show that 15 per cent of the population is First Nations or Métis. Young Aboriginal people will be a major component of the labor market in the coming decades as Saskatchewan's working population ages and people retire.

"As we listen to the music and watch the dancers perform today, it's also important for us to remember our future depends on the appreciation we have for one another," Hutchinson said.

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For more information, contact:

Bonny Braden
First Nations and Metis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5701
Email: bonny.braden@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-530-2237