On June 21 is we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the history, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada and to reflect on the responsibilities we all share in advancing truth, reconciliation, and the protection of human rights.
In Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people, this day holds particular meaning. The Mi’kmaq are signatories to the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, signed in the 18th century between the British Crown and the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey, and Passamaquoddy peoples. Unlike land treaties elsewhere in Canada, these agreements did not surrender land, but instead outlined ongoing relationships based on mutual respect, coexistence, and shared responsibilities.
On this day, we are reminded that Indigenous rights are human rights and we work together to achieve equity and dignity for all.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is more than a celebration - it is a call to action. We must learn from the past, honour the Treaties, and uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples—today and every day. Reconciliation requires commitment, respect, and a shared vision for a just future rooted in truth and the dignity of every human.
June is also National Indigenous History Month. For information and resources click here or visit the Government of Canada website and click on the link on the front page.
