Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day! Today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the history and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.

Indigenous communities across the country are rich in culture, but unfortunately also share the stark reality that colonization intentionally robbed communities of their children, customs, and languages. We can all be inspired by the incredible determination and pride of Indigenous peoples and communities to preserving and revitalizing cultures and languages, and reflect on how we can better work together along the path of Reconciliation.

We must continue to lift up, amplify, and honour the histories, voices, and stories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Take some time on National Indigenous Peoples Day in your community to deepen your relationships and understanding of one another as neighbours, celebrate, and learn more about the Indigenous history and culture in your region.

Learning Resources

• Indigenous Canada course
• The Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
• The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action
• Aboriginal Worldviews and Education course
• National Indigenous Peoples Day - Find An Activity - Canadian Heritage
• Indigenous Reconciliation app from the Canada School of Public Service (search “Indigenous Reconciliation” in your app store)

The Hope for Wellness Help Line provides immediate, toll-free telephone and online chat-based support and crisis intervention to all Indigenous people in Canada. This service is available in English and French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Counsellors are available by phone at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.  

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide emotional and crisis referral services by phone at 1-866-925-4419. If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line, which is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.