Celebrate all month long

It's official. June is now recognized as National Aboriginal History Month in Canada thanks to the help of one BC member of Parliament and a small Aboriginal organization that wouldn't let go of a dream.
"It's their persistent message that I think has kept it on the radar," said MP for Nanaimo-Cowichan Jean Crowder. She is the NDP critic of Aboriginal Affairs, and introduced the idea to the House of Commons. The motion received unanimous consent on June 4.
"It just makes sense we should have the whole month to honor ourselves and our ancestors," said former president of the Regina Aboriginal Professional Association (RAPA). Joely Bigeagle-Kequahtooway was part of the association when it first declared June National Aboriginal History Month in May 2007.
The Saskatchewan-based organization campaigned for other provinces to follow suit and was able to get the attention of a Member of Parliament who thought it was a valid suggestion.
"We sent out a mass e-mail and somehow it got to Jean Crowder," said Bigeagle.
Crowder said she hopes having the month of June to talk about Aboriginal peoples will educate non-Aboriginal Canadians about the contributions that First Nations, Metis and Inuit have made to Canada while simply celebrating a rich history.
Bigeagle- Kequahtooway agrees and hopes that with a month to celebrate Aboriginal heritage it will allow Aboriginal education to be a larger part of the public school curriculum.
"I don't think the one day was enough," said Bigeagle- Kequahtooway about National Aboriginal Day on June 21. "There isn't enough positive celebration of our culture."
Marjorie Lavallee-Bressyman, the current president of RAPA agrees that the history of Aboriginal people must be told as opposed to concentrating on negative perceptions.
"We all have heard the ugly rhetoric before concerning Aboriginal people," said Lavallee-Bressyman. She said it was important to educate the public about past "injustices" towards Canada's Aboriginal people.
The unemployment of many Aboriginal people, for example, said Lavallee-Bressyman, is all connected to their treatment in the past.
RAPA is a non-profit corporation that was created in 1995. With the guidance of 10 working professionals who volunteer their time, RAPA creates a network of professionals and community members to develop employment opportunities for Regina Aboriginal people.
"We help to create a better world for our young people," said Lavallee-Bressyman.
With the support of 40 to 50 members, RAPA organizes monthly socials and career presentations from local businesses.
Other groups or issues have been designated their own months by the government of Canada: February is Black History Month, April is National Poetry Month, May is Asian Heritage Month, September is Country Music Month and October is Women's History Month.