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Hundreds of events are planned across the country Saturday to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, recognizing First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures and traditions.
Prime Minister Mark Carney will take part in a closed event to mark the day, which was first observed in 1996.
“Supporting Indigenous communities, advancing self-determination, implementing treaties and creating generational wealth and prosperity are central to our commitment to advancing reconciliation,” Carney said in a statement.
“The government will work in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples — advancing shared priorities such as health care, food security, housing, education, economic prosperity, conservation, climate action and emergency management to build a better future.”
Sunrise ceremonies
Sunrise ceremonies, which include prayers, greetings to the sun and giving thanks to the Earth, have been held today in multiple locations, including Toronto and St. John’s.
“We’re very fortunate to be one of the first in Turtle Island to greet the sun. And so that’s a big responsibility for us to do that in a good way,” said Kelly Young, a spokesperson for First Light, a St. John’s non-profit that offers services to the Indigenous community and works on preserving Indigenous culture.
The office of Gov. Gen. Mary Simon said she will host youth at Rideau Hall in Ottawa to mark the day by crafting paper hearts with “messages of reconciliation, hope and commitment.”
The Governor General will plant the hearts in Rideau Hall’s “heart garden,” which honours Indigenous people who died in residential schools, along with survivors.
“Each heart is a symbol of our collective responsibility to listen to and carry forward their stories — of pain and disappointment, strength and courage — and to commit to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action,” Simon’s office said.
Events countrywide
Festivals, markets and more will be happening in communities across the country.
Events in Montreal include a barbecue, summer market and live comedy, while in Ottawa, the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday, features a competition powwow, traditional foods and teaching sessions.
The Na-Me-Res Traditional Powwow and Indigenous Arts Festival will take place Saturday in Toronto’s Fort York National Historic Site, featuring traditional dances, live concerts and a food market.
Starting Saturday, the Forks in Winnipeg will host Many Nations, One Heartbeat, an 11-day festival of Indigenous performances, games, fashion and crafts, one of many events across Manitoba.
Organizers say the festival will honour “the stories, strength, and resilience of Indigenous communities, especially in this moment of significant displacement due to Manitoba’s wildfire.”