B.C.'s new Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister, John Rustad, will celebrate National Aboriginal Day at two events in Prince George and Burns Lake.

In the morning, Rustad takes part in the National Aboriginal Day event at Fort George Park in Prince George. He will join Lheidli T'enneh Chief Dominic Frederick and Mary Teegee, the Carrier Sekani executive director of child and family services, at the opening of this popular event.

In the evening, Rustad will be in Burns Lake to take part in the Memorial Powwow for Kyle Daniels, a young man from Burns Lake who passed away in 2011.

Quotes:

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad -

"It's an honour to celebrate National Aboriginal Day with many of my long-time Aboriginal neighbours. As B.C.'s new Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister, I look forward to working in partnership to strengthening relationships and creating new economic and social opportunities for Aboriginal people throughout the province."

"I am also honoured to able to take part in a celebration of the life of Kyle Daniels. As someone who was lucky enough to have known Kyle, I know how important the Memorial Pow Wow event is - to keep alive Kyle's memory and what he stood for."

Contact:

Robin Platts

Communications Manager

Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

250 387-1204

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