VICTORIA - Premier Christy Clark has issued the following statement to mark National Aboriginal Day:
"June 21, National Aboriginal Day, is a day for Canadians to come together and recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
"Aboriginal people play a vital role in our province's culture and economy. Through the BC Jobs Plan and the transformative opportunity presented by natural gas, we are partnering with First Nations throughout the province to strengthen their communities, and to ensure that all British Columbians share in the benefits from our natural resources.
"We must build on our successes and continue to work together toward job creation, non-treaty and revenue-sharing agreements, and negotiating final treaties with those First Nations who want them.
"I hope all British Columbians will take the opportunity to celebrate the living culture of Aboriginal Peoples. There is a huge diversity of Aboriginal traditions and experiences, each truly unique and inspiring."