NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO – National Indigenous Day isn’t just one day or a summer-long event. For some, it’s a start of a journey into expanding knowledge about First Nations people. For others, it’s a sight of a new horizon of building partnerships between governments and neighbours alike.
In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood, which now is referred to as the Assembly of First Nations called upon the government to create a national day of solidarity with First Nations people. Over a decade later. National Aboriginal Day was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the proclamation declaring June 21 of each year as National Aboriginal Day. This day was in consultation with the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper and the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
On June 21, 2017, Prime Minister Trudeau renamed National Aboriginal Day to National Indigenous Peoples Day to reflect the political correctness of today’s culture.
In a statement made today, Trudeau said, "today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis from coast to coast to coast will celebrate their unique histories, cultures, traditions, and languages with their families and communities. Every year, we celebrate the diversity of Indigenous cultures across Canada and the vibrancy of the Indigenous Peoples who fight every day to keep them alive. National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and a day that holds cultural, historical, and spiritual significance for Indigenous Peoples. This day is usually marked by coming together for celebratory events and ceremonies, with families and community members gathering to share food and showcase traditional practices.”
Communities across the North are taking part in numerous activities which are set up to entertain as much as they inform.
Waved into this information is the colonial history of Canada’s relationship with the Indigenous People.
MPP Sol Mamakwa and member of Kingfisher Lake First Nation reminds the public of why celebrating National Indigenous Day is important.
Mamakwa states, “our Peoples have been on the lands that are now called Canada since time immemorial. In the past, due to racist colonial laws such as the Indian Act and policies that banned our ceremonies, languages and ways of life, we were not allowed to be who we are. But we never forgot. Our connection to the land and our ancestors runs deep. So, on this day, we will honour all our ways of life and our People’s accomplishments in the face of genocide. We will ensure that future generations know who they are, and where they come from.”
Kenora- Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford also expresses his encouragement public to get out and join in on the festivities today.
Rickford states,” today is National Indigenous Peoples Day. It is a day for all of us to celebrate the contributions and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples. It gives us a chance to learn more about the rich and diverse heritage, cultures, languages, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people who have helped shape our past and continue to shape our future. It is also an opportunity to deepen our collective understanding of the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, which is an important step towards meaningful reconciliation. I encourage everyone to join in today’s celebration by participating in one of many in-person and virtual activities being held in Kenora-Rainy River and across the province.”
MPP for Thunder Bay -Atikokan Kevin Holland also took to Facebook to address National Indigenous Peoples Day.
“National Indigenous Peoples Day is a dedicated occasion for all Ontarians to recognize the rich history, culture, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Today and every day, let’s do our part to respect and preserve Indigenous cultures.”
With so many First Nation communities many of them are celebrating with powwows, fireworks, and fine cuisine while many from outside those communities are welcome to join.
However, if you are not able to be there in person, there are virtual events the public can take part in.
The Ontario Native Women’s Association offers an inspiring documentary on TVO called “Breaking Free – The Story of ONWA,” as well as the sixth edition of She Is Wise magazine.
“On this National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) recognizes the inherent leadership of Indigenous women. Recognizing, reclaiming, restoring, and reconciling Indigenous women’s shared experiences, challenges and successes continue to be reflected in the ongoing work of ONWA. Today, ONWA is celebrating these achievements with the release of Breaking Free – The Story of ONWA documentary and the 6th edition of She Is Wise magazine,” said Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager, ONWA.
The release of the latest edition of Ontario Native Women’s Association She Is Wise magazine focuses on child welfare, justice, health, housing, and homelessness.
A few of the featured stories include:
Cover story: Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada and Gitxsan First Nation activist for child welfare, is committed to making sure Canadians don’t look away from injustices toward Indigenous children.
- Mohawk Olympian Waneek Horn-Miller, mother of three, is passing down a message of self-care as part of her healing journey.
- Three generations of women discuss passing on the torch of Indigenous motherhood.
- Indigenous writers are shaping their own stories, reclaiming and sharing them with the world.
ONWA invites you to visit onwa.ca/she-is-wise-magazine to read online or subscribe for a copy of She Is Wise magazine,
To watch Breaking Free – The Story of ONWA documentary tonight at 7 p.m. or 2 a.m. EST on TVO
