2011 Western Premiers’ Conference

Western Premiers Celebrate National Aboriginal Day

FORT SIMPSON (JUNE 21, 2011) – Canada’s Western Premiers will celebrate National Aboriginal Day in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories today by participating in a variety of community and cultural activities honouring the Territory’s rich Aboriginal heritage and traditions.

Premiers will enjoy an aerial tour of the world-renowned Nahanni National Park, flying over iconic landmarks such as the Nahanni River, Virginia Falls, Horn Plateau and the Mackenzie Mountains.

A breathtaking, unspoiled wilderness in the southwest corner of the Northwest Territory, the Nahanni National Park Reserve is one of Canada’s greatest treasures and the first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“I’m proud to be able to share the spectacular beauty and unique culture of the NWT’s Dehcho region with Western Premiers, especially on National Aboriginal Day,” said Premier Floyd K. Roland.

National Aboriginal Day is recognized across Canada to honour the history, languages, arts and customs of all Aboriginal peoples. For residents of the NWT, it is also a statutory holiday.

Western Premiers are looking forward, in particular, to engaging with Fort Simpson youth as they discuss what National Aboriginal Day means to them and their community.

                                               

For more information, contact:

Drew Williams            Press Secretary for Premier/Cabinet            Government of the Northwest Territories            Phone: (867) 669-2304            drew_williams@gov.nt.ca