Statement from Simon Brault to honour National Aboriginal Day

Jun 21, 2015

“We’re deeply honoured to mark National Aboriginal Day at the Canada Council. June 21 is a symbolic day, particularly in 2015 as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission concludes its work and lays the ground for a renewed relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of this land. Indigenous artists have, and will continue to play a key role in helping us redefine that relationship. We’re pleased to support their work through our new {Re}conciliation initiative, alongside the J.W. McConnell Foundation and the Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. We’re also proud to have recently announced a new, Aboriginally self-determined program for Indigenous artists. We feel these actions are important but that our collective work is far from over. The road ahead is a long one, and we want to take this moment to recognize and salute the outstanding Indigenous artists and leaders, and those who preceded them, for sharing their work and perspectives so courageously with the world.  We are here. We are listening and learning, and we stand beside you to support a more just and inclusive future. Meegwetch.  ”

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