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Monday, June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day; with 2021 marking the 25th anniversary of this recognition. What has changed for Indigenous peoples in Canada in the last 25 years? Alternatively, how has your own understanding and awareness of Indigenous peoples, their history, cultures, languages, treaties, etc. increased? 

This day is meant to acknowledge and celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples. Calls for such a day date back to 1982 when the National Indian Brotherhood called for a National Aboriginal Solidarity Day.

With celebration comes the need to protect and revitalize many parts of our Indigenous history as well. Our languages are the arteries of our culture but many of them are in jeopardy. There is a very strong necessity to renew and revitalize our languages for future generations. With this initiative in mind, our Stabilizing Indigenous Languages Symposium (SILS) aids in providing global perspectives of Indigenous Language Revitalization. The annual Symposium was held last week and hosted approximately 75 languages from around the world.

Considering recent events, Indigenous Peoples Day may take on larger significance this year than it has in years before. Canadians are reminded of the importance of self-education during these times, with an abundance of resources available to you online and in print. Only once you fully learn the extent of Indigenous history in this country will you be able to understand the severity of current situations.

With discoveries happening across the country, it is important to remember the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and the calls to action released 6 years ago. Calls for child welfare, education, Indigenous rights, our health and wellbeing, and for justice.

To highlight a few calls to action, as a reminder:

“58. We call upon the Pope to issue an apology to Survivors, their families, and communities for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children in Catholic-run residential schools. 

62. We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, in consultation and collaboration with Survivors, Aboriginal peoples, and educators, to:

i. Make age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, Treaties, and Aboriginal peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade Twelve students.

71. We call upon all chief coroners and provincial vital statistics agencies that have not provided to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada their records on the deaths of Aboriginal children in the care of residential school authorities to make these documents available to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.” 

Perhaps this Indigenous Peoples Day is a time for you to make a commitment to your own learning and awareness and to put a plan into action. 

To conclude, wishing peace and wellness to all throughout these times and as we celebrate our culture, our languages, and our peoples on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Kanonhsyonne Janice C. Hill (Jan)
Associate Vice-Principal (Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation)
Office of Indigenous Initiatives

Note: This statement originally appeared on the ����ֱ�� website.