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e-1230 (National holidays)

E-petition
Initiated by Amanda Rogers from Kingston, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the House of Commons

Whereas:
  • We have many statutory holidays in Canada, all represent holidays celebrated by colonizers, and are often Christian based, regardless of the many cultures and ethnicities that make up the fabric of our diverse Canadian culture;
  • Canada has a national day to celebrate the First People on Turtle Island, set by the government to be June 21st each year, this is not a recognized holiday and is unknown by the majority of the Canadian population;
  • As we learn from and make changes as a result of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and its recommendations, taking the action of making National Aboriginal Day a statutory holiday across the country, will create an increased awareness of Indigenous cultures in the eyes of all Canadians and make one of the many needed efforts at authentic reconciliation; and
  • In addition, time and opportunity for education of the diversity of Aboriginal Cultures, contributions and issues will be made possible for all our nation’s people from coast to coast to coast. Enhancing First Nations, Inuit and Metis pride, promoting a genuine sense of recognition and hope, and providing Indigenous communities with the respect and honour long deserved, will create a richer Canada. One of which we can all be proud.
We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to declare June 21st, National Aboriginal Day to be a statutory holiday across this country.
Open for signature
September 13, 2017, at 1:52 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
January 11, 2018, at 1:52 p.m. (EDT)
Photo - Mark Gerretsen
Kingston and the Islands
Liberal Caucus
Ontario