Statement – National Child Day

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (November 20, 2015) – The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, today released the following statement on the occasion of National Child Day:

“Today, on National Child Day, I would like to acknowledge and celebrate Indigenous children and youth across Canada. Representing the youngest and fastest growing segment of our population, they deserve the best possible opportunities to succeed. Their families, their communities and our country will all benefit as a result.

Since 1993 Canada has been celebrating National Child Day, which is dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the rights of children and youth, and recognizing them as active participants in their own lives and in communities. This day also commemorates the adoption of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959), and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).

As Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, I am committed to re-engage in a renewed nation-to-nation process with Indigenous Peoples to make real progress on the issues most important to First Nations, the Métis Nation, and Inuit communities – including education and child welfare.

I am proud to celebrate and promote National Child Day. We must strive to ensure that Indigenous children across Canada are treated with respect, dignity, and without discrimination as we move forward in our journey of reconciliation and a renewed relationship between Canada and all Indigenous peoples.”

For more information, please contact:

Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

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