Significant Days
#ReconciliACTIONatKPR
September 19th is Powley Day
Powley Day marks the most important Métis Rights recognition since the days of Louis Riel. It is celebrated every September 19th to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of the Powley family and the landmark decision in R. v. Powley [September 19, 2003].
September 30 is National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Chief Justice Murray Sinclair challenged all of the participants to keep the reconciliation process alive, as a result of the realization that every former student had similar stories. “We have described for you a mountain. We have shown you the way to the top. We call upon you to do the climbing.” Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools. It is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. The need for this day was identified through the recommendation of the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.
October 4 is National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People
Annually, on October 4th, hundreds of vigils are held to remember Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit persons who have been murdered or gone missing. Years of campaigning led by Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people resulted in the government finally calling an inquiry to investigate the scope and scale of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit persons, and to identify solutions to end the violence.
In June 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls issued its final report, including 231 Calls for Justice. On the eve of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, June 20th 2022, KPR expressed its support for, and adopted the Calls for Justice, particularly Call 11.1 and 11.2.
“Today is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. On this day, we honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people by creating change and committing to ending the violence that disproportionately impacts their communities. We also show support to the grieving families through the Sisters in Spirit Vigils, taking place across Canada."
October 10 is Thanksgiving
October is full of seasonal harvesting and ceremonies. As we think about the Thanksgiving holiday please be mindful that this holiday means different things to different people. Not everyone will celebrate the holiday, and if they do it may be done in a way that doesn’t reflect colonial traditions. Some food for thought is available in this CBC Article: Thanksgiving has roots, complicated history in Indigenous communities, prof says.
October 27 is Dress Purple Day (Children's Rights)
This day can be triggering for Indigenous students, families, and staff.
The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies does acknowledge that due to Canada’s colonial legacies, there is an overrepresentation of Indigenous and African Canadian children and youth in the child welfare system and that there is also demonstrated long-standing inequities in child welfare outcomes for these youth. Why it’s not Child Abuse Prevention Month Anymore and a call to join Dress Purple Day 2021 outlines the history of Dress Purple Day, and the fact that past campaigns have in fact, increased risk to vulnerable and marginalized families. Nicole Bonnie, CEO, OACAS reports that “this year, I’m proud that our new campaign direction reflects our commitment to equity and addressing the overrepresentation of Black and Indigenous children and youth in child welfare”. Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day also acknowledges the harmful role that child welfare has played, and continues to play, in the lives of Indigenous children, youth, and families in Ontario and outlines the OACAS’ commitment to addressing these inequities.
We are highlighting this information to our KPR community so as not to counter the Dress Purple Day campaign, but instead to support understanding of the inequities that exist in the child welfare system and to support the steps that the OACAS are taking to create more equitable child welfare outcomes. October 27, 2021 is an important day to raise awareness, celebrate the community that cares for families, and to share the important message to children and youth that they are not alone and that help is available.
November is Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month at KPR
This is a celebration exclusive to our KPR community to strengthen relationships through Reconciliation by centering Indigenous voices and lived experiences. Part of our holistic approach to learning is engaging in a cycle of Reveal, Relate, Reflect, Respond. Use this to guide your planning for the month.
Click here for the 2023 Memo with specific opportunities for this year.
Reveal the learning:
Shine a light on the contributions and accomplishments of Indigenous People.
Engage in the Passport to Reconciliation. Commit to the weekly learning invitations designed by Indigenous staff at KPR. Share your learning.
Relate to self:
Renew your commitment to learning and action for social change. How can The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples inform your focus? Watch this video to learn more.
Name your relationship to Indigenous Knowledge, Perspective, and History. Learn how to be an ally. Understand what knowledge is yours to share and what is best shared by a Knowledge Keeper.
Reflect on impact:
Strengthen relationships through Reconciliation by centering Indigenous voices and authentic lived experiences. Begin with the staff and families in our system. Practice active listening. How do you build trust? How will you build a circle of care around each student?
Consider the ongoing impacts of colonization and systemic racism. Recognize that these continue to be stressors every day. Look at the TRC Reports for a path to change. Begin with one call to action to adopt as an individual or school, then add another, and another.
Respond with action:
Learning is action. Engage in learning that explores and values Indigenous knowledge, culture and perspectives to create respectful relationships among students, staff, families and local Indigenous communities.
Sharing is action. Share your questions. Share your learning. Connect with the Indigenous Education Department.
November 5-11 is Treaties Recognition Week
In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, in 2016 the province of Ontario declared the first week of November as Treaties Recognition Week. It is a time to learn about treaties and reflect on the impacts of them for all Ontario citizens.
Click here for announcements to use for Treaty Recognition Week
Anishinabek Nation Secondary Panel Treaty Education Resource
Participate in the Passport to learn more!
November 7 is Inuit Day
Celebrate Inuit peoples and amplify their voices.
November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day
Annually, on November 8th we celebrate and honour Indigenous Veterans. Over 12,000 Indigenous people are estimated to have volunteered in all three wars, including 7,000 First Nations members, and approximately 300 died during these conflicts.
“This November 8th is National Aboriginal Veterans Day, a day of remembrance and commemoration of the contributions of Indigenous veterans in the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Korean War. This Aboriginal Veterans Day, we would like to express our gratitude for the contributions Indigenous veterans have made to Canada and the world.
National Aboriginal Veterans Day began in Winnipeg in 1994 when Indigenous veterans were not recognized in Remembrance Day activities, and is now celebrated in many communities across Canada.
Rock Your Mocs Week: Nov 12-18
Rock Your Mocs week is a worldwide movement for Indigenous people to show their cultural pride. The focus is to have a positive opportunity to celebrate Indigenous identity and individuality. Indigenous members of the KPRDSB community are invited to wear their moccasins to work and school. Non-Indigenous members of the KPRDSB community are also invited to wear authentic moccasins if they have them. How to participate: Take pictures of your moccasins, upload them to social media, or share them to the KPRDSB Indigenous instagram and twitter accounts. Tag them with the hashtag #RockYourMocsAtKPR
November 16 is Louis Riel Day
“Louis Riel Day is held every year on November 16 across the Métis homelands. November 16 is the anniversary of Riel’s execution in 1885. During that year, Riel led Métis people in the Northwest Resistance, which was a stand against the Government of Canada because it was encroaching on Metis rights and our way-of-life. The Métis were defeated at the siege of Batoche and the Canadian government captured Riel. He was eventually put on trial where he was convicted of treason and executed. As a result, Métis people across Canada were labeled as traitors and for generations many felt the need to hide their Métis culture and heritage. Despite this oppression, many Métis people found a way to preserve their way-of-life and passed it on to current generations. Today, the strength of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is a testament to the courage of our ancestors.”
December Celebration Considerations
As we approach the holiday season we encourage people across KPR to reflect on the various celebrations and family traditions that will be represented in our diverse population. For some Indigenous families, they may fully participate in December celebrations, for others they may not engage with any of them. Some people may choose to celebrate Winter Solstice, as an example. We would like to raise awareness to the diversity of cultural celebrations within our KPR community. Thank you for your careful and mindful consideration as you prepare for the upcoming month’s activities.
Transitions and the Winter Break
There is often excitement for the upcoming December break. We are encouraging the members of the KPR team to remember that sometimes it can be difficult to be on winter break. Transitions can be very hard for youth at any age.
Transitions to be mindful of:
Transition to being at home and away from school
Being out of normal routine
Separation from friends and peers
Inconsistent schedule throughout the break causing uncertainty
Possibly a variation to predictable access to food throughout the day (Breakfast clubs)
Suggestions on helping students transition into the break: telling the students that you look forward to welcoming them back in January, let the student borrow an item from the classroom (a special book, an item to take care of for the class/teacher). If a student identifies that they have concerns then reach out to the family/caregiver and let them know about the feelings being expressed
Transition to returning to school:
Separation from family and loved ones
Struggles with getting back into school routines
Developing the stamina necessary for full days of learning upon return
Students may just be sad that the holidays are over
Suggestions on helping students transition into the classroom: focus on the positives of being back together and developing the classroom community with less emphasis on the experiences of the previous two weeks, emotional check ins and communication with families as needed.
Inconsistent transitions after the COVID-19 Pandemic:
There is a sense of needing to be able to “pivot” to a “new normal” at any time
Students are aware of the ongoing developments and some carry worry that things will need to change to reflect the current pressures on the health care and educational systems
Some carry a sense of impending change at any moment
As we prepare for the holiday season, thank you for your mindfulness of these concerns and challenges that some students carry with them.
December 6 is National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
It has been over 30 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal (December 6, 1989). This act of violent misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
December 10 is International Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December — the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document, which proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world. You can access the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. This Act provides a roadmap for the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples to work together to implement the Declaration based on lasting reconciliation, healing, and cooperative relations. (In May 2023, KPR adopted UNDRIP as a foundational document to the work in Indigenous Education at a board meeting).
December 21 is Winter Solstice
The shortest day of the year. A time to reflect on the new beginnings of a new year, with longer days in the future and more sunlight to empower people. In many cultures, it is celebrated as a time of rebirth.
February 1 Begins Black History Month
Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.
The 2022 theme for Black History Month is: “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day,” which focuses on recognizing the daily contributions that Black Canadians make to Canada. Government of Canada.
Some readings about Black and Indigenous solidarity:
“Distinct Histories, Shared Solidarity” by Nickita Longman offers a look at Black and Indigenous solidarity, policing and gender from the point of view of Saulteaux activist Nickita Longman and Philip Dwight Morgan, a Toronto-based writer and poet.
Read about Jordan Gray’s experiences with discrimination and resilience as a Trinidadian and Mi’kmaw person in the Canadian school system in this POV piece from CBC.
“Black People are not Settlers” by Anthony Morgan explores the topic of how Black histories are distinct from the settler narrative and experiences, and argues against the assumption that all non-Indigenous people are settlers.
Following the death of George Floyd, jingle dress dancers held a ceremony to support community grief and encourage healing. Read more about the significance of the Jingle Dress dance and its connection to healing and community care.
Aiden Jonah interviews organizers of the Afro-Indigenous rising collective during the recent occupation of Nathan Phillips Square.
This article from Indian Country Today contains insights on what it means to be Black and Indigenous from a multiplicity of perspectives.
Source; University of British Columbia.
Picture Book: Beautiful You, Beautiful Me
Izzy's favorite place to be is in Mama's arms--skin to skin, safe and warm. One night, cuddled up on Mama's lap, Izzy notices something she's never noticed before: her skin is the color of chocolate, but Mama's skin is the color of sand.
Beautiful You, Beautiful Me, about a multiracial child navigating identity and belonging, draws from author Tasha Spillett-Sumner's own experience growing up as an Afro-Indigenous girl. Lyrical text and warm, lively illustrations show Izzy's journey as she learns to celebrate the differences that make her uniquely beautiful, and the connection to her mother that transcends physical traits.
Adult Learning
“From the complicated history around slavery to mixed race people finding their place in community — this week on Unreserved, we are looking at the Black Indigenous experience.” (CBC Radio). Read a summary of the episode then listen to the podcast.
Read the Essay Writing Myself into Existence by Etanda Arden or the article Identity on a Plate, about Melissa Brown to learn about their personal experiences with being Black Indigenous.
February 14 is MMIWG Day of Remembrance
The annual memorial march in honour of the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) . It began in Vancouver and it has spread across Canada.
"The annual march began in 1992, when loved ones and supporters gathered on Feb. 14 in the Downtown Eastside to commemorate the life of a woman who was murdered on Powell Street. Each year since, participants have gathered at Hastings and Main, where family members of missing and murdered women speak before marching through the streets.
"This event is organized and led by women in the DTES because women — especially Indigenous women — face physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual violence on a daily basis," organizers wrote on the event's Facebook page.
"The February 14th Women's Memorial March is an opportunity to come together to grieve the loss of our beloved sisters, remember the women who are still missing, and to dedicate ourselves to justice." CBC.
February 22 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
On February 22, 2007, the Canadian House of Commons passed a motion condemning the trafficking of women and children across international borders for the purposes of sexual exploitation.
The House of Commons proclaimed February 22 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day to help bring awareness to the magnitude of modern-day slavery in Canada and abroad and encourage Canadians to take steps to combat human trafficking.
For decades First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have been addressing issues of exploitation and violence experienced by their respective communities.
In Ontario, Indigenous women and girls are among the most targeted and overrepresented populations for human trafficking.
March is Indigenous Languages Month at KPR
As members of the KPR community we can intentionally take steps forward in supporting the learning of local Indigenous languages, perspectives, histories and culture. We can foster respectful relationships among students, staff, families and local Indigenous communities through thoughtful involvement of the Indigenous Education Department’s resources on your learning journey.
This aligns with Principle 7 of the Principles of Indigenous Education:
"Indigenous education acknowledges the primacy of relationship to the land and to each other, and recognizes that Indigenous languages are integral to these relationships."
Personal Reflection What learning have you done about Indigenous Languages? How will you support Indigenous language learning in your practice?
March 7 is the start of Social Work Week
The theme in 2022 is #MoreThanEver. This Social Work Week, we invite you to learn more about how social workers are supporting mental health recovery across Ontario, and join us in celebrating this essential work.
Indigenous Perspectives & Social Work Series: Part 1 - Our Shared Past and Future
Creating environments for Indigenous youth to live & succeed | Tunchai Redvers | TEDxKitchenerED
Thank-you to the Social Workers in KPR and in our communities who work so hard to support students and families. Learn more about Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services (DBCFS), an organization specifically supporting Indigenous families.
March 8 is International Women's Day
For International Women's Day and beyond, let's all fully #EmbraceEquity.
Equity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have. A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society's DNA. And it's critical to understand the difference between equity and equality. IWD 2023's campaign theme aims to get the world talking about why "equal opportunities are no longer enough." Read about the work of some important Indigenous women in Canada’s history as they worked towards equality and equity by challenging sex-based discrimination against First Nations women in the Indian Act.
March 20 is Spring Equinox
The first day of Spring. The change of seasons. A good day to go outside, to let go of winter, and enter into a new direction of growth. It's a time of new beginnings and rebirth.
Mii Maanda Ezhi-Gkendmaanh: This Is How I Know
This Is How I Know: A Book about the Seasons is written by Brittany Luby, of Anishinaabe descent and raised on Treaty 3 Territory; and Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, Ojibwe Woodland artist and member of Wasauksing First Nation. In This Is How I Know, an Anishinaabe child and her grandmother take pleasure in the familiar sights that each new season brings. This lyrical, bilingual story-poem is written in Anishinaabemowin and English. We accompany them through warm summer days full of wildflowers, bees and blueberries, then fall, when bears feast before hibernation and forest mushrooms are ripe for harvest. Winter mornings begin in darkness as deer, mice and other animals search for food, while spring brings green shoots poking through melting snow and the chirping of peepers. Brittany Luby and Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley have created a book inspired by childhood memories of time spent with Knowledge Keepers, observing and living in relationship in the place they call home — the northern reaches of Anishinaabewaking, around the Great Lakes.
March 21st is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recognizes that injustice and prejudice fuelled by racial discrimination take place every day. Observed annually on March 21, it commemorates the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960.
In Canada, this date is an opportunity to reflect on the fact that while progress has been made, racialized communities in Canada continue to face racism and discrimination every day. It is also a day to re-commit our efforts to combat all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, and systemic racism to ensure a world where everyone is respected, safe, and has equitable access to contribute meaningfully to all aspects of society.
Find more information on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Government of Canada actions to address anti-Indigenous racism in health systems
Why is Indigenous specific training on anti-racism and unconscious bias important?
Unlearning racism against Indigenous peoples in one generation (Consultants in the Indigenous Education Department, Marjolaine LaPointe and Dean Smith, are both trained to lead the KAIROS Blanket exercise).
Racist comments on Indigenous stories prompts outlets to turn them off
March 22 is World Water Day
World Water Day is on 22 March every year. It is an annual United Nations Observance, started in 1993, that celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2 billion people currently living without access to safe water. A core focus of World Water Day is to inspire action towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.
Nibi Emosaawdang, The Water Walker. The dual language edition, in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and English, of the story of Nokomis Josephine-ba Mandaamin (Grandmother) and her walks to protect our water, and to protect all of us.
March 31 is National Indigenous Languages Day
March 31 is National Indigenous Languages Day and an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada to recognize and celebrate the very rich and diverse heritage of Indigenous languages.
Indigenous languages embody Indigenous cultures and histories. Languages are deeply personal and they connect individuals, families and communities across generations, distances and differences. They are integral to Indigenous cultures, self-identity and well-being. Languages carry stories, the memory of those who came before us, and the promise that we hold for those who come after us. They convey wisdom and traditions from elders to youth, from one generation to the next. The Government of Canada understands that we have a role in protecting and supporting Indigenous Languages.
Language is the foundation of culture. Indigenous peoples have a strong tradition of oral histories that must be supported by a new respect for, and understanding of, Indigenous languages. Part of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports calls for protecting the right to Indigenous languages, including the teaching of Indigenous languages as credit courses. The Ministry of Education is committed to developing and implementing programs and services that are supportive and reflective of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit cultures and languages.
“Since 1993, March 31st has been designated as National Indigenous Languages Day, a day to celebrate and honour the richness, diversity and importance of Indigenous languages. There are about 70 distinct Indigenous languages within 12 language families in what is now Canada. Here at KPRDSB, we have 6 Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) programs helping hundreds of students regain their Indigenous language. The revitalization of Indigenous languages is part of the 94 Calls To Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and we are proud to support the language programs as part of our commitment to Reconciliation.”
At KPR, there is an Indigenous Language Policy.
Why Indigenous Languages Matter and What We Can Do to Save Them | Lindsay Morcom | TEDxQueensU
Celebrating Indigenous Languages: Interactive Google Earth: audio recordings of more than 50 different Indigenous languages from around the world. For each language, visitors can listen to a traditional greeting and two other examples of the language (e.g. common phrases or songs).
Visit the KPR Indigenous Education Department Language page.
Canada Needs Thriving Indigenous Languages: In this TedX Talk, Khelsilem shares the reasons Canada needs thriving Indigenous languages and how we can make it happen.
2022-2032 is the International Decade of Indigenous Languages
The International Decade aims at ensuring Indigenous peoples’ right to preserve, revitalize and promote their languages, and mainstreaming linguistic diversity and multilingualism aspects into global sustainable development efforts.
Visit the KPR Indigenous Education Department Language page.
April 22 is Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. The official theme for 2023 is Invest In Our Planet.
Indigenous people are at the forefront of the fight against climate change. The special and unique relationship with the Land that is the heart of all Indigenous worldviews reminds us that the fight against climate change needs to centre Indigenous Knowledge, especially its profound understandings of Earth systems and science.
K-10 Learning: LESSONS FROM THE EARTH & BEYOND
Junior and Intermediate to grade 9 Learning: "The Gift Is in the Making" Audiobook Sample
Senior and Adult Learning: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
May 5 is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People
Every year on May 5th, we honour and remember all missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people.
It’s also known as Red Dress Day. We wear red to draw attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people and as a call for all Canadians to remember and to take action. You may also notice red dresses hanging in communities as a visual reminder.
This can be a challenging day for staff and students. Please be sensitive and trauma-informed in your approach to this day.
May 10 is Jordan's Principle Day
Jordan’s Principle is a child first principle and legal rule named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. It ensures First Nations children receive the services and supports they need, when they need them. Celebrated annually, Bear Witness Day honours Jordan River Anderson and invites people of all ages to "Bear Witness" to ensure Jordan's Principle is fully implemented! Visit the First Natons Caring Society Bear Witness page to learn more.
Jordan's Principle makes sure all First Nations children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs that First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth and those with disabilities may have.
Jordan's Principle is named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. He was a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba.
The Principal of Indigenous Education at KPR is the school contact for all Jordan's Principle inquiries.
May 16 is Moose Hide Campaign Day
The Moose Hide Campaign is a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys working together to end violence towards women and children. One of the main initiatives of the movement is the annual Moose Hide Campaign Day, which brings Canadians from coast to coast together to make tangible progress on reconciliation and the creation of a country free of violence against all women and children. For this year’s campaign day, we are excited to offer a free, engaging, and inspiring K-12 youth livestream which comes with a series of virtual workshops. All the workshops will be available to registrants in advance of campaign day so you can create learning opportunities that work for your students and schedule.
This date changes each year so please check. In 2024, the date is May 16, 2024.
May 17th is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
The 2023 year’s theme is “Together Always: United in Diversity.” The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex people, and all of those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. 2-Spirit people are considered sacred in most Indigenous ways of knowing.
The month of June is designated as Pride Month
KPR students, staff and school communities come together this month to celebrate, uplift and empower the voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. This month and beyond, we embrace opportunities to promote acceptance and equality, show our support, and continue listening and learning from one another to ensure our words, actions and spaces support inclusion for all!
Two-Spirit people are considered sacred in many Indigenous cultures. You can find information about Two-Spirit people in the Niizh Manidoowag: Two Spirit ETFO Resource Document. While this is an ETFO resource, we feel it’s excellent for everyone’s learning
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The day was first celebrated in 1996, after it was proclaimed that year by then Governor General of Canada Roméo LeBlanc, to be celebrated annually on 21 June. This date was chosen for many reasons, including its cultural significance as the Summer solstice, and the fact that it is a day on which many Indigenous peoples and communities traditionally celebrate their heritage.