June 21 marks an important day in Canada – National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day honours the unique heritage, diverse cultures, resilience and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples across Canada and Turtle Island (the continent of North America). Coinciding with the summer solstice and longest day of the year, this day marks the beginning of the fishing and berry picking season.
The month of June is also National Indigenous History Month, a time for all Canadians to commemorate and learn more about the rich heritage, diversity and histories of Canada’s Indigenous peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
As the business arm of the Tahltan Nation, this day resonates deeply with TNDC. We honour the strength, resiliency, rich culture and history of the Tahltan people and all Indigenous people across our country.
- In 1982, the now Assembly of First Nations called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day; tensions that grew from the Oka Crisis and the Ipperwash Crisis led for repeated calls for a National Day of Recognition.
- In 1990, Quebec became the first province to establish June 21st as a day to celebrate Indigenous culture.
- In 1995, the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples.
- Also in 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day.
Learning about Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, places and experiences is a step forward each Canadian can take on the path to reconciliation. We have compiled a list of resources that provide more information about Indigenous people and National Indigenous History Month to raise your awareness.
- Indigenous Corporate Training: https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/national-indigenous-history-month
- Government of Canada: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1708446948967
