Statement from Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown on National Aboriginal Day
Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown made the following statement marking the 20thanniversary of National Aboriginal Day:
“This is a day to come together and celebrate the tremendous contributions that our Inuit, Métis, and First Nations peoples have given to our communities and to our nation.
Aboriginal Day was established 20 years ago to help recognize and acknowledge the important contributions made by people of Aboriginal heritage to Canadian society.
In my role as MPP for Simcoe North, I am honoured to have the opportunity to represent the Beausoleil First Nation of Christian Island, the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and one of the largest Métis populations in Ontario.
On this day, I would also like to acknowledge the difficulties faced by the members of these communities in the past. This is more relevant each day as we work together on the path towards reconciliation and healing.
I was proud to stand in the Legislature late last month and apologize for the atrocities committed within the residential schools system. As a parliamentarian, Ontarian, and Canadian, I look forward to bringing truth and reconciliation between our nations.
The Inuit, Métis, and First Nations communities each have their own distinct heritage, language, spiritual beliefs and cultural practices—all of which have shaped and continue to shape our country’s diverse history. I encourage all Ontarians to learn more about Canada’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and to celebrate and recognize their contributions to our national identity.”