Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day!
We honour the First Nations, the Inuit and the Métis Nation: their people, cultures and perspectives, the memory of those voices lost, and the living survivors of the residential schools and their families.
It is a time to recognize and celebrate cultural richness, and to reflect on the histories, contributions, and strengths of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
For non-Indigenous Canadians, it is an opportunity to fulfill our duty to learn, and to show recognition and respect for the role Indigenous Peoples have played and continue to play in shaping Canada. We share a collective responsibility to understand this history and play a meaningful role in Reconciliation.
Today is also the summer solstice, the day of the year with the longest light. It is a day with spiritual significance for many people and is a good time to celebrate Indigenous peoples and cultures.
This is the Decade of Indigenous Languages!
Specific cultural knowledge is preserved and passed down generations through speaking the native language.
So when a language goes extinct, it takes with it the group’s keys to cultural understanding.
The situation is critical for Indigenous languages; an estimated 50% of today’s spoken languages will be extinct or seriously endangered by 2100.
Learn more about it here: https://en.unesco.org/idil2022-2032
https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/indigenous-languages.html
and here at the TRC27 Blog: https://www.cle.bc.ca/national-indigenous-languages-day-online-resources/
To celebrate together today, we invite you to find out which languages are spoken on the territory where you live.
Find out here: https://maps.fpcc.ca/
Let’s see how many languages we can celebrate!
Here are some more activities for you to consider:
In-person Events
Indigenous Storytelling by SḴWX̱WÚ7MESH-ULH SÍIYUXWA7 (Squamish Nation Elders)
Time and Date: 10:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M PDT Tuesday June 28, 2022
Link: INDIGENOUS STORYTELLING
Cost: Free
Event Details: Join Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-ulh síiyuxwa7 (Squamish Nation Elder) Chief Bill Williams Talalsamkin Siyam for a morning of storytelling followed by group discussion. Chief Bill Williams Talalsamkin Siyam is a Hereditary Chief of Seaichem Reserve in Squamish Valley. One of 16 Hereditary Chiefs who Amalgamated in 1923 to form what is called Squamish Chiefs and Council. This session will be held at: Reader’s Rooftop (outdoor patio) West Vancouver Memorial Library.
Talking Stick Festival 2022
Date: June 12, 2022 – July 3, 2022
Link: TALKING STICK FESTIVAL
Cost: Free
Event Details: The backdrop of this year’s theme is set against the majestic mountains and ocean that meet in the land of the Coast Salish People – a diverse First Nations community. We communicate our theme “Come Together” in the 3 languages spoken in this land: Ḵxwúsem (Squamish), m̓i q̓əq̓aʔt ct (Musqueam) and Qápqúthut (Tsleil-Waututh). This year’s festival will be a unique experience. Our performances will be a mix of Full Circle produced events and partnerships with other notable local performing arts organizations. From June 12th to July 3rd, we will celebrate National Indigenous History Month by showcasing our talented Indigenous performers and artists. We invite you to come aboard our canoe and experience our culture and history in Vancouver.
Medicine Workshop
Date: Sunday, June 26, 2022
Link: MEDICINE WORKSHOP
Cost: Free
Event Details: Blending teas with Westcoast wild plants. Learn how to identify a variety of plants that grow in the Pacific Northwest Coast and how to uniquely blend different medicinal herbs together. Workshop led by an instructor with close to 30 years of experience blending teas with commonly found herbal medicines.
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day Using Transit (Translink)
Dates: various dates see information provided in link
Link: Translink
Fee: Free
Event Details: After two years of postponing events and celebrations due to the pandemic, we’re excited to share a special guide to local events and attractions on our transit system to honour National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day throughout the month of June
Educational Resources
Learn about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples – this Government of Canada website provides resources to help you explore the history, languages, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Click here for more information: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1466616436543/1534874922512
National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, June 21st. It is a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Learning about Indigenous Peoples, places and experiences is a step forward each Canadian can take on the path to reconciliation. Click here to access an interactive map to find local Indigenous Peoples Day events near you:
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/indigenous-peoples-day.html
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples in Canada: Learning and activity guide
Story: The Great Festival of Light . The huge valleys in the land stretched as far as the eye could see. This day was a very special day. The creatures of the land, as well as the people, were getting ready to celebrate the Great Festival of Light.
Activities for National Indigenous Peoples Day are organized across Canada every year. For more information about the day’s activities, you can visit:
Canada.ca/national-indigenouspeoples-day
National Indigenous Peoples Day is for all Canadians – share in the celebration!