Friday Facts: National Indigenous Peoples Day
Posted on Friday, June 21st, 2019
Today, June 21, is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples. National Aboriginal Day was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc.
June 21 is also the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Today is a day that Indigenous peoples around the world have celebrated for thousands of years. When Indigenous people celebrate the solstice, they celebrate the return of the warmth of the sun. It’s also an acknowledging that the season is short and is now slipping away day by day. The solstice reminds us how precious each day is; its a reminder not to take the gifts of summer for granted. Summer is associated with growth and maturation. In summer, we reap the crops we have sown. By celebrating the solstice, its an acknowledgement of the cycles of nature – birth, growth, death, and renewal – and a reminder that we are also part of creation, with our own cycles of growth and maturation. For Indigenous peoples in the Great Lakes area, June is known as Strawberry Moon, because strawberries are the first berry crop to mature. In Algonquin culture, strawberries are known as the “heart berry” and are also associated with forgiveness in various oral stories. Summer is, therefore, a time for the heart, when we clear out old energy and make room for new possibilities.
Former Assembly of First Nation’s Chief Perry Bellegard has written that “June 21st is an appropriate day to think about the path we are now on and the movement toward basing the Canadian-First Nation relationship on the true recognition of the inherent rights, title and jurisdiction of First Nation peoples and nations.”
The whole AC community is invited to attend the a picnic today in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day. This casual, social gathering, a picnic on the lawn of Ishkodewan, is meant to foster Indigenous storytelling and sharing time together in a unique way. Complimentary soup, salad and bread will be available (on a first-come, first served basis).
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