TNDC News

2023

21
Jun

CELEBRATING NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

Today, June 21, is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples of Turtle Island (Canada). TNDC is proud to be celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day as one of the biggest Indigenous businesses in BC. See below for photos of our Indigenous employees.

The month of June also marks National Indigenous History Month, a time for all Canadians to commemorate and learn more about the rich heritage, diversity and histories of Canada’s Indigenous peoples across the country. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is observed on the June 21st, coinciding with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and its importance to Indigenous Peoples (marks the beginning of the fishing and berry picking season). It has been recognized in Canada since 1996 (formerly National Aboriginal Day). June is also National Indigenous History Month.

As an Indigenous business, owned by the Tahltan Nation, this day and month hold even greater significance. We celebrate the rich culture, history, strength and resiliency of the Tahltan people.

History

In 1982, the now Assembly of First Nations called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day; tensions that grew from the Oka Crisis and the Ipperwash Crisis led for repeated calls for a National Day of Recognition.
In 1990, Quebec became the first province to establish June 21st as a day to celebrate Indigenous culture.
In 1995, the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples
Also in 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day
In June 1996, then Governor General Roméo LeBlanc made a proclamation declaring June 21st to annually be marked as National Aboriginal Day.
In 2009, the House of Commons unanimously passed a motion to make June National Aboriginal History Month. In 2017 it was changed to National Indigenous History Month.

Learn more

Learning about Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, places and experiences is a step forward each Canadian can take on the path to reconciliation. We have compiled a list of resources that provide more information about Indigenous people, National Indigenous History Month, celebratory events and educational resources to raise your awareness.