Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

Aboriginal Awareness Week

May 22-25, 2012

This year, Aboriginal Awareness Week highlights the theme, Old Roots; New Routes: Moving Forward, and features a variety of Aboriginal talent will take place in the National Capital Region. Activities include cultural ceremonies traditional and contemporary performances, speaking events, workshops, teachings, and samplings of traditional Aboriginal cuisine.

Introduced in 1992, this event aims to increase awareness of Aboriginal peoples among public servants, and runs yearly during the four days following Victoria Day.

Health Canada is one of 25 federal departments and agencies that participate in Aboriginal Awareness Week, which, this year, begins on May 22 and runs until May 25. Health Canada employees will be treated to a variety of samplings of Aboriginal culture, ranging from story-telling and tipi set-up demonstrations to a pow wow-pump exercise class.

Health Canada provides health benefits and services to First Nations and Inuit through its First Nations and Inuit Health Branch program, and it maintains a privileged relationship with First Nations and Inuit across Canada.

As both a proud Inuk and a citizen of this great country, I invite you to join me and my fellow public servants in celebrating the rich heritage that Aboriginal peoples contribute to Canada's identity.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada