For immediate release
June 18, 2020
MHA Jordan Brown, NDP Caucus stand up for Indigenous rights, called for holiday name change
The NDP Caucus is proud of the work done by MHA Jordan Brown, who successfully lobbied government to change the name of Discovery Day and commit to working with Indigenous leaders to develop a new name.
The NDP is the only Party to have brought this issue to the House of Assembly.
In Question Period on June 15, MHA Brown said the term “Discovery Day” ignores the fact that Indigenous people preceded European arrivals to our province.
“My wife's family have hunted in Labrador for a thousand years, as have many other Labrador Inuit and Innu.”
“I ask the Minister responsible for Labrador and Indigenous Affairs, given that Indigenous organizations are asking for this, will he consult with Indigenous communities and governments and do away with Discovery Day?”
“The NDP Caucus is proud to support the proclamation on changing the name of the holiday held around June 24 to the June Holiday,” said NDP Leader Alison Coffin.
“We called for this change, and are pleased to support this temporary name until appropriate and meaningful consultation is done with Indigenous leaders and groups in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
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For further information, contact Zaren Healey White, Director of Communications, NDP Caucus at 729-2137 (o), 693-9172 (c), or zarenhealeywhite@gov.nl.ca