National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day

A summer solstice celebration of culture & heritage

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a cross-country opportunity for Canadians to honour and learn about the unique heritage, cultural diversity and remarkable achievements of First Nations, the Inuit and Métis. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Indigenous Peoples. Each one has its own heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. The wealth of stories, told and untold, is a proud legacy of resilience to be discovered and embraced.

For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. A time when Mishoomis Giizis (Grandfather Sun) starts to look over us and provide light and warmth for the daytime. We’re sharing perspectives from three different communities that are bringing people together to raise awareness of how Indigenous culture can inspire and benefit us all.

Sweetness at sunrise in Toronto

Every year, the City of Toronto marks National Indigenous Peoples Day with a sunrise ceremony, where all are invited to gather with Indigenous partners to offer thoughts and prayers to the Creator and give thanks for all of creation and Mino Baamodziwin (The Good Life). The ceremony is held around a Sacred Fire and consists of elements that hold cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples. 

It begins with people forming a circle and a smudging of sage for those wishing to cleanse their spirit in the smoke of this sacred medicine. Next is a pipe ceremony, followed by singing with a hand drum and the opportunity to share a few words within the circle and eat strawberries.

Often referred to as the heart berry because of its shape, the strawberry is an important food and medicine in some Indigenous cultures. It helps us understand the connection between mind, body, spirit and emotions and also reminds us of reconciliation and teaches how to maintain heartfelt relationships.

Tobacco, sweet grass, sage and cedar are often used in ceremonies. The aromas from these plants help evoke a different state of mind; inspire memories, awaken the soul and give a sense of direction. The smoke from sacred tobacco is believed to allow communication with the Spirit World and is used first as an offering in every ceremony. Used for smudging and purification of the spirit, sweet grass is the sacred hair of Mother Earth. Some Indigenous people pick it and braid it in three strands representing her love, kindness and honesty. 

Sage helps free the mind and remove negative energy. Cedar is used to purify the home and has many restorative medicinal uses. When mixed with tobacco and put in the fire, it crackles, calling the Spirits’ attention to the offering being made. 

Gathering in Golden, BC 

Indigenous peoples called this land their home long before Golden became a settlement. The Ktunaxa Nation, the Secwepemc Nation and the Métis Nation have deep connections to the landscape. The Métis Nation Columbia River Society (MNCRS) shares their ‘Golden’ story:

“The Métis have been here for hundreds of years, they’ve been a part of developing communities, farms, schools and businesses throughout the valley since the 1800s and have played an integral role in developing Golden into the settlement we know today.

“The Métis Nation Columbia River Society serves the Indigenous peoples of the area by promoting culture, providing education and tending to their well-being. They host events and workshops that celebrate their culture, such as Louis Riel Day/Métis Week, National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and support the extended community of Golden by participating in Pride events, trade fairs, parades, the Snow King Festival and other events. 

“Community outreach to those in isolation or in need is ongoing. Elders visit the schools to teach history, language, dance, and culture. They offer workshops in basket making, beading, capote making, food preservation, making balms and lotions, archery, foraging and many other traditional ways of being and knowing.” 

Beautiful expressions of Métis culture adorn Golden, from the teepee and gardens at the MNCRS office to artwork and murals. 

In 2023, the Métis Nation Columbia River Society organized a wonderful celebration for National Indigenous Peoples Day in Golden. Here’s a lovely recap of the event and what it means to them: vimeo.com/847114136 

Six Nations of the Grand River

Jheri Jamieson and Katrina Cattrysse are excelling in their careers at Six Nations Polytechnic Institute (SNP) in Brantford, Ontario and are very grateful for the opportunity. Here, they share family stories and the importance of post-secondary education for the future generations of Indigenous learners: 

Jheri: “Growing up in Six Nations, we are really close to the Mohawk Institute – the residential school – so the idea of education for Indigenous people has already been a tough topic. At SNP, you’re working so hard to just change that narrative for these students. Especially when it comes to generational trauma, because for a lot of these students it’s their first time as post-secondary learners. Their parents and grandparents didn’t have that opportunity available to them. I think being a part of a post-secondary institution that has such a wide range of programs, and has Indigenous people teaching Indigenous students, is huge. There are six Indigenous institutes in Ontario and that means things are changing, and learners have more opportunities than ever before.”

Katrina: “I’m the first person in my family to go to post-secondary education. My Grandma went to residential school in Kamloops, BC, so the intergenerational trauma is very apparent in my family. Just getting an opportunity to work here has been amazing – it’s changed my life completely. I just love helping the Indigenous community and seeing that Six Nations is leaps and bounds ahead of other communities. It’s very special to work here.” snpolytechnic.com 

The Mohawk Institute, part of the Woodland Cultural Centre and a former residential school, is open for virtual tours. It’s an unforgettable experience.