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RBC on "A Chosen Journey" with Canada's Aboriginal
people
Inaugural Report and Community Events Celebrate National
Aboriginal Day
TORONTO, June 18, 2009 — As Canadians celebrate
Canada's National Aboriginal Day, RBC has released A
Chosen Journey: RBC Aboriginal Partnership Report 2008,
which highlights RBC's collaboration with Aboriginal communities,
businesses, governments and individuals to help them reach
their immediate and long-term goals.
"The report highlights our success and reinforces our
commitment to corporate social responsibility, supporting
diversity and partnering with Aboriginal communities, businesses
and governments," said Dale Sturges, national director
of Aboriginal Banking, RBC. "RBC and the Aboriginal community
have enjoyed a strong working relationship for the past several
decades and our National Aboriginal Day activities are a reflection
of that."
The report addresses four key elements of RBC's ongoing work
with Aboriginal peoples across Canada including Access to
Banking Services, Community Development, Employment and Education,
along with Procurement of aboriginal services to RBC.
"The financial services we provide to Aboriginal peoples
are part of a broader goal to broaden the education, training,
employment and social services in their communities,"
according to Sturges. "RBC has a long history of working
with Aboriginal peoples in Canada, and we continually look
to improve on that relationship."
RBC is also continuing its tradition of hosting and participating
in National Aboriginal Day events across the country. This
year's events include:
"A fundraising event organized by the Royal Eagles RBC
employee group and the Amiskwaciy Academy High School will
be taking place at Glen Abbey Park in Edmonton, AB, between
11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Friday June 19. Activities will
include a performance by the Amiskwaciy Academy's drum and
dance group, as well as local First Nation, Métis and
Inuit community members. A barbeque and special displays will
be part of the festivities with proceeds going to Amiskwaciy
Academy's Hot Lunch Program.
- An annual fundraising barbeque will be held in Etobicoke,
ON at the Queensway and Kipling RBC branch on Friday June
19, along with a prize raffle and bake sale. Donations will
go to the RBC Royal Eagles Back Pack program and Gift Box
program.
- RBC is hosting an Aboriginal Day event in Kamloops, B.C.
at the Victoria Street branch on Friday June 19. RBC clients
and community members are invited to see traditional Aboriginal
clothing, art and territory maps on display, enjoy refreshments
and participate in a draw for a bent wood box. Events are
also taking place within RBC branches in Williams Lake,
Merritt Chase and 100 Mile House.
- In Val-d'Or, QC, an RBC bank branch will host a fundraiser
on June 19 to raise money for local stay-in-school programs.
- In Terrace, B.C. a number of displays will be set up in
the local RBC branch with artifacts from the Kitsumkalum
and Kitselas bands and the Tsimshian First Nation as well
as a carver who will display his work and show how traditional
carving is done. The event takes place on June 19.
- In Timmins, ON (38 Pine Street North), on Monday June
22 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., RBC will welcome and
host the Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre, The Native Friendship
Centre, The Nishnawbe-Aski Development Fund, and The Wabun
Tribal Council Organizations and Services to create awareness
for both staff and clients.
About the RBC Royal Eagles
RBC's Royal Eagles, who are participating in several National
Aboriginal Day activities, volunteer in their communities
throughout the year. Located across Canada, their goal is
to help RBC: raise awareness of Aboriginal culture within
RBC; provide peer support through mentoring, coaching and
networking; support the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal
employees; and liaise with Aboriginal communities in their
home provinces and territories.
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Media contact:
Matt Gierasimczuk, (416) 974-2124 or matthew.gierasimczuk@rbc.com
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