National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21st, 2022 | Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day
Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day. A day to recognize the unique heritage, diverse cultures & outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit, & Métis peoples.
We reached out to team members Christy Anderson (Aboriginal Health Liaison, KB Primary Care Network, COINS) & Dr. Leah Seaman (KB Cultural Safety Physician Lead) to find out how they are honoring the day & share a few ideas for celebrating.
Christy Anderson, Aboriginal Health Liaison, KB Primary Care Network, COINS:
“I will spend June 21st celebrating the richness and diversity of Indigenous culture with my family at Pass Creek park for the annual event the good folks at the Circle of Indigenous Nations Society offer to our community.
This is a great opportunity, not only for Indigenous people to celebrate their culture and history, but also for non-Indigenous people to stand with us and be present for the celebrations and cultural offerings.
Wishing all a wonderful Indigenous People's day.”
Dr. Leah Seaman, KB Cultural Safety Working Group, Physician Lead:
“I look forward to joining in, outdoors, in a good way on June 21st.
I’m currently working in Inuvik, NWT where I've been for the past 6 weeks and much of the past 22 years. All three Territories have declared June 21st, Indigenous Day, as a Stat holiday.
Here, in Inuvik, we have always had a central gathering on an open-air stage, with stories, music, games, and just hanging out. Fish fries are part of it, as are the usual hotdogs and hamburgers. Usually, there is an all-ages "dry" dance in the evening. And, of course, the midnight sun is out!!
People of all ages and ethnicities show up - Indigenous and others. We are where Gwich'in (Dene people of the western arctic), Inuvialuit, North Slavey, and Métis come together, as well as a smattering of settler folks from everywhere: Sudan, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Punjab, Myanmar, Philippines, southern Canada, Maritimes.
Many of us think the whole of what we call Canada should have a stat holiday and consider ways to honor our Indigenous peoples and their Lands, and see it as another occasion to show up to the work (and play!) of Reconciliation.”
There are so many ways to respect, honor, and engage with Indigenous Culture today and every day – here are just a few ideas:
Connect to Local Indigenous Culture, Events & Offerings:
Circle of Indigenous Nations Society (COINS) is offering a celebration at Pass Creek Park, June 21st from 3pm – 7pm, featuring culture, drumming, storytelling, & more. All are welcome: https://bit.ly/coins-jun21
Check out the COINS Website & Calendar > to stay connected to events & programs throughout the year.
Create Space for Learning & Self-Reflection:
The KB Cultural Safety working group has compiled a list of learning with humility & self-reflection resources, geared toward health care, & relevant for anyone seeking to learn more about local nations, Indigenous perspectives, cultural safety & more. Check it out at kbculturalsafety.org > (+ explore the site to learn more about this work & regional resources offered).
Take In the Words & Stories of Indigenous Writers:
“Stories have been, and always will be, the best way to educate ourselves about the truth” - David A. Robertson, a Cree author based in Winnipeg. If you’re an avid reader, explore this mix of fiction and nonfiction highlighting the talents and teachings of a selection of some of the best Indigenous writers in what we now call Canada: Indigenous Authors Booklist > & CBC's 48 books by Indigenous writers to read to understand residential schools >
Experience a Film/Documentary by Indigenous Storytellers & Filmmakers:
Powerful stories come from the heart. And they have the ability to change minds, to change perspectives, to bring truth to light.
The APTN Documentaries > shares Indigenous stories from Canada, and beyond. Experience the triumphs, losses, and passions of Indigenous Peoples, as told by Indigenous filmmakers, and get a glimpse into their lives as they have lived them.
CBC’s 12 docs on Indigenous life in Canada > features Indigenous storytellers with incredible tales and activists who are advocating for change.
How are you honoring the day? We’d love to hear from you & warmly invite you to share with us in the comments @kbdivision on Facebook.