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In Remembrance
Department of Aboriginal Affairs staff participated in ceremonies in both Bilijk (Kingsclear First Nation) and Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation) as part of Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8. Wreaths that were handmade by staff using grapevines, cedar and felt poppies were presented, and one wreath for Bilijk was gifted to an Elder who previously served in the Canadian military.
Every Child Matters ceremony
A group of employees from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, along with family members, met in downtown Fredericton on Sept. 30 and walked along the Saint John River to an Every Child Matters ceremony led by Grand Chief Ron Tremblay at the Old Burial Grounds.
Sacred fire at Metepenagiag Heritage Park
Provincial government employees were invited to Metepenagiag Heritage Park on Sept. 29 to attend a sacred fire in memory and honour of children who attended residential and day schools. The fire was lit by Elder George Paul. There was smudging, singing, a talking circle and teachings shared by Paul.
Official visit of the consul general of the United States
In her first official visit to New Brunswick today, Consul General Lyra S. Carr of the United States met with Premier Blaine Higgs as well as with Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Margaret Johnson and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Arlene Dunn who is also minister responsible for Economic Development and Small Business, minister responsible for Opportunities NB, and minister responsible for ...
Lest we forget
The Kingsclear First Nation’s in-person Remembrance Day ceremony was cancelled because of COVID-19 related concerns. While a virtual ceremony was planned in its place, Department of Aboriginal Affairs senior advisor Merl Millier travelled to the community prior to Remembrance Day to lay a wreath.
Flag raised in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In honour of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, a special flag was flown in front of the provincial legislature (inset) in New Brunswick. Emblazoned with the words “Every Child Matters”, the bright orange flag was raised on Sept. 30 in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples across Canada in remembrance of the children who didn’t return home ...
Flag-raising for National Indigenous Peoples Day
In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, the Wolastoqey flag was flown at the legislative assembly. From left: Premier Blaine Higgs; St. Mary’s First Nation Chief Alan Polchies Jr.; and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Arlene Dunn.
Latest acquisitions for collectionArtNB provide a better representation of Aboriginal artists
The province’s art bank, CollectionArtNB, has enriched its collection with the addition of 18 works of visual art. In the photo, from top left to bottom right, are new acquisitions from professional Aboriginal artists: Belinda Levi, Working Hands; Marie Fox, Monument; Tara Francis, Monarch; Katie Augustine, Strawberry Basket; Tara Francis, Grandmother Moon Turtle Legend, Grandmother Moon Turtle; and Katie Augustine, ...
Memorandum of understanding reaffirms commitment to Metepenagiag Heritage Park
The Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation and the Metepenagiag Heritage Park recently signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure the continued development and promotion of the park’s Indigenous research and interpretive centre. From left: Chief Bill Ward of the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation; Tourism, Heritage and Culture Miinister Robert Gauvin and Elder Chief Howard Augustine, member ...
Funding for northern New Brunswick infrastructure improvements
The provincial and federal governments have announced funding for water, wastewater and infrastructure improvements in northern New Brunswick. From left: Madawaska-Restigouche MP René Arseneault; Eel River Bar First Nation Chief Sacha LaBillois; Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart; and Indigenous Services Minister Seamus O’Regan.
Historic ceremony honouring Indigenous traditions and cultures held at Government House
The provincial government is working with First Nation Elders and leaders, as well as the judiciary, to ensure the process of having Eagle Feathers available for affirmations, before testifying in court, is done with the appropriate cultural protocols. A special ceremony took place at Government House in Fredericton on Tuesday to recognize the importance of honouring Indigenous traditions and cultures. ...
Assembly of First Nations’ 40th annual general assembly
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart attended the opening of the Assembly of First Nations’ 40th annual general assembly in Fredericton.
Flag-raising for National Indigenous Peoples Day
In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, the Wolastoqey, Mi’gmaq and Peskotomuhkati flags were flown at the legislative assembly. In photo, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart is raising the Wolastoqey flag.
St. Mary’s 20th powwow
St. Mary’s First Nation hosted its 20th powwow June 14-16 at the Old Reserve on Union St. in Fredericton. Powwows are community gatherings that welcome all people to celebrate cultural traditions through music, dance, art and feasts. From left: Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart and St. Mary’s First Nation Chief Alan Polchies Jr. ...
June 4 is Wolastoqiyik Treaty Day
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart joined Wolastoqey elders and chiefs for a day of ceremony and celebration in Kapskuksisok, Madawaska First Nation.
Government receives final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
The provincial government has received the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The commission that led the inquiry released its report on June 3 at a special closing ceremony in Gatineau, Que. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart attended the ceremony on behalf of the provincial government. From left: Stewart and Vancouver Granville ...
Traditional spruce root harvesting
A spruce root harvesting tour was held in the community of Metepenagiag. From left: Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart; Energy and Resource Development Minister Mike Holland; Elder Howard Augustine and Cheryl Simon, Senior Policy Advisor with MI’GMAWE’L TPLU’TAQNN Inc.
Celebrate First Nations culture at a powwow this season
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart is encouraging New Brunswickers to join First Nations communities that are hosting a series of powwows around the province. Powwows are community gatherings that welcome all people together in friendship, celebrating First Nations cultural traditions through music, dance, art and feasts. The University of New Brunswick started this year’s powwow series on April 4.
Bear Witness Day
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart observed Bear Witness Day, May 10. Bear Witness Day draws attention to Jordan’s Principle, which aims to ensure First Nations children and youth receive appropriate services.
Minister attends UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart attended the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. From left: former National Hockey League player Reggie Leach; Chief Wilton Littlechild, inductee of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame; and Stewart.
International Indigenous Fashion Week held in Paris
Ingrid Brooks of Indian Island, was one out of eight fashion designers selected from around the world, to attend the International Indigenous Fashion Week held in Paris earlier this year. Fifteen of her unique pieces, some of which featured traditional porcupine quill artwork, were modeled at this widely recognized event. On March 20, Brooks was introduced at the legislative assembly ...
Promoting culture at UNB
Promoting culture and expanding opportunities for Indigenous students from all regions of the world will be a priority for the University of New Brunswick’s newly appointed Piluwitahasuwin, (assistant vice-president Indigenous Engagement) Amanda Reid Rogers. Photo shows Rogers and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart.
Have a Heart Day
On Feb. 14 the Department of Aboriginal Affairs celebrated Have a Heart Day, a day for First Nation children to join voices in friendship to raise awareness about issues that affect them directly. Photo shows Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart participating in the event.
Six aboriginal youth and three musicians travelled to French Guiana
Six aboriginal youth and three musicians travelled to French Guiana Dec. 7 to participate in the Kali’na Games. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart met with the group.
Investment in First Nations economic development initiatives
The provincial and federal governments have made a two-year funding commitment to the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI), which aims to strengthen entrepreneurship and economic development opportunities for First Nations. From left: Treasury Board President Roger Melanson, who is also the minister responsible for aboriginal affairs; JEDI president Alex Dedam; Lynn Poole-Hughes, CEO of JEDI; Tobique-Mactaquac MP T.J. Harvey; and ...