National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, June 21. It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Learning about Indigenous Peoples, places and experiences is a step forward each Canadian can take on the path to reconciliation.
Shannon Hall, Education Developer and Curriculum Consultant of Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being at St. Lawrence College shares ten things you can do on June 21 in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day:
1. Learn whose land you are on – native-land.ca
Native Land Digital strives to create and foster conversations about the history of colonialism, Indigenous ways of knowing, and settler-Indigenous relations, through educational resources such as their map and Territory Acknowledgement Guide. Native Land Digital strives to go beyond old ways of talking about Indigenous people and to develop a platform where Indigenous communities can represent themselves and their histories on their own terms. In doing so, Native Land Digital creates spaces where non-Indigenous people can be invited and challenged to learn more about the lands they inhabit, the history of those lands, and how to actively be part of a better future going forward together.
2. Attend a local or virtual Indigenous Peoples Day event
- SLC Cornwall - visit the Indigenous Centre for conversations, food, a game, and more. Learn more.
- SLC Brockville - strawberry offerings will be brought around to employees and students on campus
- SLC Kingston - stop by the cafeteria for a bowl of Three Sisters Soup or a strawberry drink
3. Donate to Indigenous-led organizations upholding Indigenous rights, such as Native North American Travelling College or Akwesasne Freedom School.
4. Take action by getting involved in the anti-mascot movement.
5. Amplify Indigenous Voices:
- Read and share “Acts of Solidarity on Indigenous Peoples Day and Beyond.” By Daisee Francour
- Read and share “Indigenous Peoples’ Day: A Call to Higher Consciousness.” By Wakinyan LaPointe
6. Create your own back pocket reconciliation plan!
7. Explore and share resources, such as:
8. Share the UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples with ten friends.
9. Get involved in the #LandBack Movement.
10. Spread the world and get involved in the national conversation on social media.
One of the easiest and most effective things you can do is share your experience and raise awareness about Indigenous Peoples. Use the #NIPD2022 and #NIPDCanada hashtags on social media.