National Indigenous Peoples Day & National Indigenous History Month
Every year on June 21st Canadians celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to recognize and honour the cultures, contributions, and histories of Indigenous peoples. This day holds significant meaning, not only as a celebration of heritage but also as a reminder of historical injustices, ongoing struggles, and the continued resilience of Indigenous communities.
Originally called National Aboriginal Day, this observance was first established in 1996, following consultations and discussions between Indigenous groups and the Canadian government. In 2017, the name was officially changed to National Indigenous Peoples Day to reflect a more inclusive recognition of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
The date of June 21st was chosen because it coincides with the summer solstice, a day significant to many of the nations of Turtle Island (North America) for its symbolism of renewal, growth, and connection to the land. As June also marks National Indigenous History Month, a wide variety of events from cultural performances and traditional ceremonies to community feasts and webinars serve as opportunities for everyone to become better aware of the ongoing challenges Indigenous communities face, including issues of land rights, self-governance, and cultural preservation.
Image extract from the Advancing Truth and Reconciliation in Schools Toolkit (see further below for link and downloadable PDF).
But as with any “special” observance, it is vital to consider how we are actively bolstering the holiday’s spirit of education and reconciliation efforts all throughout the year. In our communities and beyond this may include learning about local Indigenous history, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and businesses, advocating for Indigenous-specific rights as well as the basic human rights to be afforded to all Indigenous communities, and fostering personal relationships based on respect, openness, and humility. At the JHC, we continue to work in partnership with Indigenous community members to build meaningful tools and educational resources, such as the Truth and Reconciliation in Schools Toolkit.
In December 2023, the JHC and its event partners Righting Relations Canada and Canadians for A Civil Society hosted the Ignite Change Global Convention, a ten-day online commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the signing of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The first day of the convention was “Coming to Terms with Genocide, Colonization and Uprooting the Children,” with the day’s panels hosted by Indigenous thinkers and activists discussing topics including but not limited to the Sixties Scoop, Indigenous law and sovereignty of governance, racism within health systems, and the future(s) of Indigenous child welfare. The subject matter was understandably discomforting at times, and yet an air of measured optimism and determination was present throughout the entirety of the day. As opening speaker and Sixties Scooper Michele Penney remarked,
“I went through my childhood not really knowing who I was and knowing I didn’t belong…but that isn’t what my story is about. It’s about my discovery of home, the home that I knew that I came from…There’s a lot to learn in our future, but I really want everyone to know that…you can make it fun. You can make it alive. You can make mistakes, and that’s okay.”
Ignite Change Day 1 presentation playlist
Click on the + to the right to expand each presentation and access the YouTube recording.
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Michele J Penney is of the Saulteaux Nation from Treaty Four Saskatchewan, Yellow Quill Reserve. She is a 60s Scooper. She is a traditional hand drummer and adult educator promoting First Nations issues. She believes that if you understand the issue, it's fixable and if you understand the intent, moving forward is inevitable.
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Her Honour Salma Lakhani brings greetings in her official capacity as Lietenant Governor of Alberta, and speaks about the connection between those who have been displaced upon the lands of Canada, and those displaced in other parts of the world who have come to Canada.
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Koren Lightning-Earle/Blue Thunderbird Woman challenges us in considering notions of federalism, governance and rethinking our pathway forward for Canada.
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Rawd Belanger engages in a critical analysis and discussion about the passage of Bill C-92: An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families and its impacts.
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This is the story of kihcihkaw askî—Sacred Land—an urban creation story of when a vision finds its unlikely visionaries to help it come into the world. It’s the story of how land in the heart of the City of Edmonton came to be Canada’s first urban Indigenous ceremony grounds and what it holds for Indigenous youth, families, and communities in returning themselves to the embrace of our Mother the Earth and to the path of ancestors.
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This workshop brings the viewer together with an Anishinaabe educator to re-kindle relationship with Lands/Waters and one other as a response to the intent to honour the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
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Beginning with the short film Honouring the Children by Sandra Lamouche, this conversation then discusses topics including genocide denial within the Canadian criminal code, residential schools and their lasting impacts, the 60s Scoop, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.