Today marks the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to celebrate, highlight and reflect upon the rich histories, cultures and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.
June 21 was chosen because it coincides with the summer solstice, a sacred and joyous time for many First Nations peoples because it marks the longest day of the year.
There are lots of COVID-friendly National Indigenous Peoples Day events happening around the capital region today and this month.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is also an important time for non-Indigenous people in Canada to re-dedicate themselves to the important and urgent promise of Truth and Reconciliation.
At YWCA Edmonton, we’re committed to ensuring our organization is a welcoming, inclusive and just place for all. Reconciliation needs to be at the heart of every decision we make. Our board of directors, Reconciliation Committee and staff are working together to make that happen, including enacting a new mandatory Indigenous history education requirement for all staff, reviewing HR practices and expanding community collaborations and advocacy efforts around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people.
We hope you celebrate and honour National indigenous Peoples Day by asking yourself what you are doing to reach and achieve Truth and Reconciliation in your own home, workplace and community.
