Prince George, BC – As communities across the country celebrate National Aboriginal Day, BC's Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation is highlighting the fundamental role of the Aboriginal community in the province's socio-economic structure.

In a statement released to mark the importance of today, John Rustad says it's imperative to close the gaps that exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in our society.

"We are laying a strong foundation to address these gaps by cultivating healthy relationships based on mutual trust, understanding and reconciliation," says Rustad.  "I recently joined the Premier and Aboriginal leaders as we signed a memorandum of understanding recognizing our shared responsibility and accountability in ending violence against Aboriginal women and girls."

Rustad says the Liberal government remains commiteed to working with the Aboriginal community on decisions that affect them and "to creating economic and social opportunities where Aboriginal people benefit from BC's prosperity.

BC New Democrat leader John Horgan and Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation critic Doug Donaldson have released a joint statement in honour of National Aboriginal Day, celebrating Canada's three distinct indigenous groups – First Nations, Inuit, and Métis – and highlighting the Northern Gateway Pipeline project as an example of a cavernous gap that exists…

"BC First Nations understand better than anyone the threat posed by the Enbridge pipeline to local economies and to BC's land, air, and water.  Their concerns have been ignored in the federal government's decision to approve the project, and their constitutional rights have not been addressed.

Excluding First Nations and ignoring rights and title is not only unjust; it jeopardizes important opportunities for economic benefits that could beneift all BC communities."