The month of June in Canada marks not only Pride month but also the very important celebration of National Indigenous History Month, which includes June 21, recognized as National Indigenous Peoples Day. This month we celebrate the diversity, resilience and joy of the many Indigenous cultures that originated in the geography of what we now know as Canada. We have compiled a list for you of local events to attend (or stream into your home) in celebration of Indigenous cultures. 

But first, a little more background:

On 21 June 2017, the Prime Minister announced the intention to change the name of National Aboriginal Day to National Indigenous Peoples Day. The change to “Indigenous” brings the Canadian government in line with the United Nations use of the word in international discussions as well as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

So what does Indigenous mean? Watch this video for a great, child-friendly description.

National Indigenous Peoples Day marks the spiritual and cultural importance of summer solstice. The summer solstice marks the maximum amount of daylight each year and the furthest day from the long, dark, cold nights of winter. For Indigenous people across Turtle Island, this day marks the beginning of growth, abundance, and beauty. 

Indigenous people of this nation recognize, and continue to recognize, the ways in which Mother Earth continues to give to us. The pisim (sun in Cree) is honoured as the life giving energy that sustains us all. Many thanks to @rootsandraine on instagram for sharing this valuable information. 

Here is a list of National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations taking place during the week of June 21 in Toronto and the GTA:

• Attend the Na-Me-Res Annual Powwow on Saturday, June 23 at Fort York starting at noon. If you have never attended a pow-wow before, here is a handy guide for attending respectfully and having a good time!
• Visit the Indigenous Arts Festival taking place between Thursday, June 21 to Sunday, June 24 at Fort York and includes education days and public festivals.
• Go to APTN Indigenous Day Live on Saturday, June 23 at Fort York starting at 5 p.m. and catch some of the most recognized entertainers in Indigenous music and television.
• If you’re out in Brampton, the National Indigenous Peoples Day at Garden Square will be taking place on Thursday, June 2 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• The Toronto Zoo National Indigenous Peoples Day event will take place on Thursday, June 21 and will feature Indigenous music, art, vendors, and speakers. Free admission will be provided to Indigenous peoples with the presentation of a status card, Métis card, or an Inuit Health Branch Client Identification Number (N-Number).
• The Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto will be hosting an Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration on Wednesday, June 20, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
• The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto is having an Indigenous History Month Celebration on Wednesday, June 27, from 12 to 8 p.m. in Dundas Square in downtown Toronto. The event is free, and the celebration will be plentiful.
• Or if you’d just rather celebrate from home, here is a guide to the CBCs Indigenous Peoples Day special lineup of broadcast, streaming and music that highlight Indigenous joy, history, art and culture. (Hint: scroll down to CBC Kids section for some really fun videos!)

And last but not least, if you’d like to dig in a bit more and learn about the various indigenous cultures that can be found in what is now known as Canada (and in fact the world over) please take a look at this wonderful resource, an interactive map of the world with information about many indigenous cultures, their languages and much, much more.