Aboriginal Awareness Week to be marked after long weekend
EDMONTON – Next Tuesday marks the beginning of Aboriginal Awareness Week in Canada and thus is a good occasion for AUPE members to reflect on the contributions made by their Aboriginal co-workers and the issues of our First Nations communities, said Human Rights Committee Chair Sandra Azocar.
“AUPE has a diverse membership including many people of Aboriginal descent,” said Azocar. “It’s appropriate for us to honour the achievements of these members and to be aware of the challenges that are faced by their community in Alberta today.”
Azocar reminded AUPE members of the comments made by Aboriginal activist Lewis Cardinal during the union’ s human rights seminar on International Human Rights Day last Dec. 10.
“Lewis Cardinal reminded us that discrimination and prejudice remain problems in Alberta, but that we can deal with them by giving the issue our full engagement,” she said. “The commitment of our union and its members to being part of a society that values fairness and justice can resonate throughout society.”
Aboriginal Awareness Week was introduced by the Canadian government in 1992. It is held on the four days that follow the Victoria Day long weekend.
According to the government of Canada Website, its goal is to increase awareness of Aboriginal peoples within the Canadian mosaic and the public service. “It has evolved into a week to honour the many Aboriginal cultures in Canada, including the Métis, the Inuit and First Nations.”
Aboriginal history will be celebrated in June, which is National Aboriginal History Month. Many celebrations of Aboriginal history will take place, including National Aboriginal Day on June 21.
30