VANCOUVER— B.C. New Democrat leader, John Horgan, marked National Aboriginal Day by celebrating the ongoing achievements and outstanding contributions of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

“National Aboriginal Day is a time for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the integral roles First Nations, Inuit and Métis represent in our country,” said Horgan.

“It’s a day to pause and reflect on the vibrant aboriginal cultures, languages and communities here in our own province, and to recognize that this diversity makes British Columbia the remarkable place that it is.

“B.C. New Democrats are especially proud on this National Aboriginal Day, because this year we’re celebrating it with Melanie Mark, who in February became the first First Nations woman elected to the provincial legislature.

“The election of Melanie Mark as the New Democrat MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant demonstrates the powerful contributions of aboriginal people in our democracy, but when it comes to reconciliation, there is still much work to do.

“The Christy Clark government has failed to implement the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission or to address Aboriginal rights and title in a meaningful way. We can do much better to build our cultural, economic and social relationships with Aboriginal Canadians.

“Today, New Democrats join all Canadians in acknowledging the significant work ahead, affirming our commitment to lasting reconciliation and celebrating National Aboriginal Day.”

Here is a link to our video celebrating National Aboriginal Day.