National Indigenous Peoples Day: A day of celebration and recognition

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples' Day, the Canadian Human Rights Commission joins people across the country in celebrating the diverse cultures, languages, traditions, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

With strength and resilience, leadership and artistry, Indigenous peoples have maintained strong and vibrant nations, worked to shape society, and inspired and influenced generation upon generation.

Today is an opportunity to pause, to acknowledge the truth about our collective history, and to celebrate the countless achievements and contributions Indigenous peoples have made to the arts; to medicine and healing; to music and dance; to teaching and academia; to business and politics; to science and sport. At the same time, today is also a day to renew our shared commitment and collective responsibility to listen and learn about our country's past. We can no longer ignore the colonial legacy and systemic discrimination that remains so deeply rooted within our society. It is ours to dismantle.

We all have a role to play in advancing reconciliation, each in our own way. Together we must strive for a better future, where Indigenous human rights — including the right to self-determination, to language, to tradition and to land — are recognized, valued, and respected.

As we celebrate our past and present and aspire to make a better future, let us stand in solidarity with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across the country. Let us work together in partnership to build trust, understanding and push for reconciliation and meaningful lasting change.

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Associated Links

• Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. (English only) https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html
• Indigenous Perspectives Education Guide (Historica Canada) - http://education.historicacanada.ca/en/tools/493
• Canada's History Week 2021 - https://fb.historicacanada.ca/CanadaHistoryWeek/2021/canada-history-week-2021/
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (PDF) - https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

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