Summer solstice is when the sun is at its furthest distance from the earth, yet it warms us for the longest time during the year with its life affirming light. This day has deep social, cultural and societal importance the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island, as it does to people around the world. In consultation with Indigenous Peoples from across Canada, in 1996, the Government of Canada declared June 21 as National Aboriginal Day. The name conditionally changed in 2017 to National Indigenous Peoples Day.
National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrates the rich culture, wealth of knowledge, and unbounded strengths of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have been custodians of these lands, and keepers of their history and learning. This celebratory day invites all Canadians to honour their essential and fundamental contributions to our shared society.
Locally, Carnegie Community Centre is hosting an exciting event for all people to take part in.
Let’s Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day!
Wednesday, June 21, 1pm at 401 Main St, Vancouver
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with cultural sharing performances, community organization tables, giveaways from the Carnegie Cultural Sharing Program, UBC Learning Exchange, Hives for Humanity, the Carnegie Vancouver Public Library, and so much more.
Or, visit the Miss604 website for an excellent list of events in Vancouver and around the Lower Mainland. There are also many online resources to continue learning about Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Visit our new Reconciliation Resources page as a jumping off point.
We hope you find time during your summer solstice day to honour the Indigenous Peoples on whose land we live, work and play.