Reconciliation: Where To Begin?

kc dyer
3 hours ago
2 min read

Canada marks National Indigenous People's Day

Summer solstice, celebrated every June 21, marks not only the longest day of the year for residents of the Northern Hemisphere, but also National Indigenous People's Day in Canada.

Canada's historic interaction with Indigenous Peoples is dark and there are ongoing impacts to colonization that First Nations People continue to face. In 1996, in consultation and with the support of a number of Indigenous groups, Governor General Roméo LeBlanc declared June 21 would mark what was then known as "National Aboriginal Day," which was changed to National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2017.

This year is the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous People's Day, and a chance to once again shine a light on efforts toward reconciliation in this country. But where to begin?

Of course, the best way to gain a deeper understanding of First Nations, Inuit and Métis experiences is through their own voices:

read books by Indigenous authors, including Michelle Good (Cree), Lee Maracle (Sto:lo), Eden Robinson (Haisla/Heiltsuk), Judy Wilson-Raybould (Kwakwaka'wakw) and more.
attend events and community gatherings: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler,
watch films or performances: Sharing the Journey is a video series that features First Nations, Inuit and Métis storytellers sharing their personal stories of culture, resilience, and hope.
listen to music by Indigenous artists, including Hayley Wallis, Snotty-Nosed Rez Kids, Willie Thrasher and more.

There are dozens of resources available to learn about First Nations, Inuit and Métis, but an excellent place to begin is Reconciliation: A Starting Point,

an app for your phone. This free application is available for both iPhones and Androids, and offers easy-to-access information about Indigenous Peoples in Canada, key historical events, and reconciliation initiatives.

And for the rest of June, events continue to celebrate National Indigenous History Month. Learn more about how you can participate HERE.

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