Events are being held across the country to mark the 30th National Indigenous Peoples Day on Sunday — a day meant to honour the culture, histories and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
The day coincides with the summer solstice — the longest day of the year — and holds deep cultural significance for many Indigenous groups. It’s the culmination of Indigenous Peoples Month, which is observed every June.
National Indigenous Peoples Day, formerly National Aboriginal Day, was proclaimed in 1996 by then Gov. Gen. Romeo LeBlanc after years of advocacy from Indigenous groups.
In Ottawa, a ceremony was hosted by Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones to mark the 25th anniversary of the unveiling of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa.
The bronze sculpture by artist Noel Lloyd Pinay, from Peepeekisis First Nation in Saskatchewan, features four warriors along with an elk, a bear, a buffalo and a wolf, overlooked by an eagle intended to represent the Creator.
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Pinay’s father was severely wounded in the Second World War.
Elder Aurel Dube, from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, said thousands of Indigenous people have “made the ultimate sacrifice for this country that took away our land.” He said anger over the way Pinay’s father and his fellow Indigenous veterans were treated helped drive the creation of the monument.
“Our Indigenous warriors have not always been treated fairly,” he said. “That is the main reason of the conception of this monument.”
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Around 100 people attended Sunday’s ceremony, including veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces and many people who were in attendance for the monument’s unveiling.
Drummer Greg Meekis said he was humbled to return 25 years after being part of the original ceremony.
“I’m really honoured to be in front of these warriors here,” he said.
Former governor general Adrienne Clarkson, who inaugurated the monument in 2001, was also in attendance.
“It hardly seems like 25 years ago that we inaugurated this monument. It was overdue,” she said, wearing a headdress gifted to her by the Blood Tribe in Alberta, who adopted her as an honorary chief.
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Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour noted the contributions of Indigenous codebreakers in the Second World War, and said Indigenous members of the Canadian Rangers are key to Arctic security today.
“In a time of rising global tensions, our collective security depends above all on the trust we place in each other,” she said.
“Our path forward lies in deepening the bonds of partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.”
Dube said the summer solstice is a sacred day for Indigenous people.
“Historically, the solstice served as the beginning of the social and travel season, a time to meet other nations, share stories, feast and perform traditional dances and drumming,” he said.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to be in Nanaimo, B.C., on Sunday to visit an exhibit on Snuneymuxw culture at the Nanaimo Museum.
In a statement, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said the day must also be one of accountability.
“Reconciliation cannot be accomplished by announcements and promises,” she wrote.
“It is achieved through quality schools for First Nations children, safe housing for First Nations families, clean drinking water for First Nations communities, and First Nations exercising their inherent rights to govern their lands, waters, and futures.”
The day is being marked in different ways in communities across the country.
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty will attend the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in Ottawa, which features a competition powwow, culinary experiences and educational programming.
Metis National Council president Victoria Pruden laid a wreath at the monument, and also attended the Rhythms of the Homeland event in Ottawa’s Minto Park, a celebration of Metis food, music and dance.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park near Saskatoon hosted a National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration with traditional dancing, drum performances and storytelling.
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At Ambleside Park in Vancouver, there was an event with live music, canoe activities and a traditional salmon dinner cooked over an open fire.
The Forks in Winnipeg hosted a series of events, including the Wahkohtowin Powwow presented by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. Other planned events include a craft and food market, live music and traditional storytelling.
A celebration of Mi’kmaw culture was held at Bore Park in Moncton, N.B.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said in a statement that the day is “an opportunity to recognize the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities, reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonization and continue listening, learning and taking meaningful steps toward reconciliation.”
Elmastukwek Mawio’mi hosteda sunrise ceremony and community gathering in Corner Brook, N.L.
Yellowknives Dene First Nation held its annual celebration with hand games, duck plucking and canoe races at the Wiiliideh Site in the Northwest Territories.
We’koqma’q is hosting a community breakfast, medicine walk, community barbecue and fireworks show in their community in Nova Scotia.
The City of Toronto held a morning ceremony on Sunday at Biidaasige Park, while POP Montreal offered a free outdoor concert on Sunday with performances by Hello Crows, Linda Saddleback and the Manitou Singers.
