While Indigenous people have suffered tremendous loss, trauma, and hardship since colonization, it is important to also acknowledge and celebrate the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples in continuing to survive, and thrive, despite the odds. By returning to and practicing their culture — including wearing traditional clothing, speaking their languages, creating and practicing arts, music, dancing, etc., Indigenous peoples are reclaiming their culture, their spirituality, and their identity.
This page offers a brief introduction to celebrated Indigenous people and events.
Land Back (ongoing for generations)
Canadian pipeline and railway protests (2010–present)
Ipperwash Crisis and the resulting Ipperwash Inquiry (1995–2006)
The Burnt Church Crisis (1999–2002)
The Gustafsen Lake standoff (1995)
The Oka Crisis, also known as the Kanesatake Resistance (1990)
Activists and political leaders
RoseAnne Archibald, first female National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
Dorothy Grant (fashion, jewelry, glass, metal, wood)
Jamie Nole (prints and paintings )
Lisa Beading (jewelry)
Michif Cultural Connections (handmade products and workshops in Alberta)
Michelle Stoney (artist)
Inuk360 (arctic fur and leather jewelry and accessories)
θəliχʷəlʷət (Debra Sparrow) (textiles, fashion designer, murals, writings)
Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun (paintings, drawings)
Evan Ducharme (fashion designer)
Norval Morrisseau, C.M., R.C.A. (paintings)
Yolanda Skelton (fashion designer with a focus on regalia)
Daphne Odjig (paintings, drawings, silkscreen prints, murals)
Misko Mangiikwe (Valerie Davidson-Oar) of Giggy's Beads Boutique (handmade jewelry specializing in beadwork)
Kenojuak Ashevak, C.C., O.Nu (drawings, paintings, carvings, glasswork)
Kent Monkman (paintings and installations)
K.C. Hall (paintings, murals, skateboards, streetwear)
Athletes
Tom Longboat (distance runner)
Carey Price (hockey)
Mary Spencer (boxer, model)
Jordin Tootoo (hockey)
Gaylord Powless (lacrosse)
Darren Zack (fastpitch softball)
Angela Chalmers (distance runner)
Businesses and Business people
Birch Bark Coffee Co. (coffee company)
Carter-Ryan Gallery (art galleries and learning centres)
Cedar Feast House Catering (catering company)
Cheekbone Beauty (makeup company)
Eighth Generation (blankets, towels, clothing, and jewelry company)
Kekuli Cafe (cafe in Merritt, Westbank, and Kamloops, BC)
Kokum Scrunchies (handmade hair scrunchies, scarves, and textiles)
Kootana Crystal & Mineral (crystals, minerals, rocks, and gems)
Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers (traditional dance group)
Salmon n’ Bannock (restaurant )
Sisters Sage (soaps and bath bombs)
Skwachàys Lodge (gallery)
Skwálwen Botanicals (skincare)
Wild About Plants (medicine )
Angela Sterritt (journalist, writer, speaker)
Leah George-Wilson (lawyer, chief)
Evan Adams (doctor, speaker, advocate)
Merle Alexander (lawyer, hereditary chief)
Buffy Sante-Marie (folk, rock, country)
Tanya Tagaq (throat singing)
The Halluci Nation (hip hop)
Snotty Nose Rez Kids (hip hop)
Leela Gilday (folk, pop)
Iskwe (electro-pop, trip-hop)
Northern Cree (powwow and round dance drumming and singing)
Susan Aglukark (folk, pop, country)
Digging Roots (folk, rock)
JB the First Lady (hip hop)
DJ Kookum (DJ)
Mob Bounce (hip hop and edm)
Murray Porter (blues)