June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
June is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 is national Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The term “Indigenous peoples” refers to three groups: Métis, Inuit and First Nations people. The land now known as Canada has been home to Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. Their communities, culture and languages have shaped this land for just as long.
Among countries with a similar colonial history, Canada has one of the largest Indigenous populations. In 2021, the Census enumerated 1.8 million Indigenous people, a larger percentage of the population than Australia but smaller than New Zealand.
June 21 is a day to celebrate and explore Indigenous culture and stories. For non-Indigenous Canadians, it is also a chance to reflect on the effects of colonialism and learn about how to support Indigenous calls for justice and reconciliation. Some steps to take on a learning journey include reading the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Report, and reading PSAC’s Decolonizing Labour fact sheet.
It is past time for justice for this country’s Indigenous peoples. Learning about not only the cultures and languages but also the less-palatable parts of colonial history is a step toward justice and reconciliation.
The JLP offers workshops and guided discussions that provide a place to explore our history of racism against Indigenous peoples in Canada along with other forms of racism, discrimination and prejudice.
Photo: Andrew George on Unsplash.com