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Trudeau announces new name for National Aboriginal Day

People across B.C. took part in celebrations and festivals Wednesday
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Janice August was surprised by the rain Wednesday during a powwow at the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society for National Aboriginal Day. - Credit: Carli Berry/Capital News

National Aboriginal Day will be renamed to National Indigenous Peoples Day, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today.

The Canada-wide day that celebrates First Nations, Innuit and Metis people recognized the history, art, traditions and culture of Indigenous People that have shaped Canada’s past and continue to shape it today, Trudeau said in a news release.

In a statement, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde said he supports the change, saying the name is consistent with the international recognition of Indigenous Peoples and a resolution from his advocacy organization.

“I believe this small change is part of a larger movement towards recognition and acknowledgment that these lands are the homelands of indigenous nations and cultures,” Bellegarde said.

Around the province, British Columbians have also been celebrating local aboriginal groups and their culture.

With files from The Canadian Press



About the Author: Ashley Wadhwani-Smith

I began my journalistic journey at Black Press Media as a community reporter in my hometown of Maple Ridge, B.C.
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