Flag Raising held at Parliament Hill honouring survivors of residential schools

Flag raising at Parliament Hill for Indigenous Peoples Day

Federal Govt Marks National Indigenous Peoples Day

OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2023 –  A flag raising in honour of survivors of residential schools was held today in Ottawa at the Visitor Welcome Centre on Parliament Hill (near West Block). The ceremony began at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Watch it here:

https://www.cpac.ca/episode?id=b0a83154-b152-4a26-9c75-8ea483463b31

Flag raising at Parliament Hill for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, June 21, 2023

Additionally, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day:

“Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the rich histories, traditions, and cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis from coast to coast to coast. National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on the summer solstice – the longest day of the year – which holds a special significance for Indigenous Peoples who have gathered on this day for centuries to welcome the arrival of warm weather with ceremonies, traditional practices, and displays of art.

“We join Indigenous Peoples today in celebrating their achievements and their resilience. The story of indigeneity in Canada is a story of resilience. When the strongest institutions in the country tried to stamp out Indigenous cultures, languages, and ways of knowing, Indigenous communities persevered. And now, as we work to heal the lasting wounds of the past and move forward together, Indigenous communities are still standing strong: Indigenous youth today are proud of their heritage, and they are reclaiming their cultures and their languages. The Government of Canada will continue to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in revitalizing their traditions and languages.

“Together with Indigenous Peoples, we continue to envision and work toward a better future. This includes a Canada where Indigenous children are educated at the same rate as children in the rest of the country, where artifacts that were stolen from Indigenous communities are returned to their rightful owners, where no child is taken from their family because of discrimination and racism, where guidance that was co-developed with Indigenous partners is applied to every natural resource project in the country, and where everyone has access to clean air and clean water. While we have made historic progress in recent years, we know that work is far from over. That is what the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and its Action Plan, released today, will do. The Action Plan is an evergreen roadmap to achieving this transformative and lasting change in our relationship with Indigenous Peoples in Canada and continue working toward reconciliation.

“June 21 of every year is the day with the most light. And today, on the day with the most light, we look ahead to a bright future – for Indigenous Peoples and for all Canadians. I encourage Canadians to learn more about Indigenous cultures, join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #NIPD2023, join an Indigenous-led activity within your community, or explore Indigenous art at a local gallery. Let us continue to build a stronger Canada for everyone.”

June is National Indigenous History Month

Earlier this month The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor; and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, issued the following statement:

“June is National Indigenous History Month, which is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the resilience, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada.

“Indigenous histories are significant to Indigenous pride and cultures, and are fundamental to the identities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. The knowledge passed down by Elders and Knowledge Keepers connects families, communities and generations. These histories and cultures have protected Indigenous identities against hundreds of years of colonial policies, and have played a key role in Canadian history and society. Each week in June will be dedicated to a different theme to highlight specific aspects of Indigenous histories, cultures and experiences, including traditional knowledge, language, and reconciliation. June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, which also marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and a culturally significant day for many Indigenous communities across Canada.

“While this is a time to celebrate, we also reflect on how Canada’s historic wrongs have impacted its current relationship with Indigenous Peoples and the ongoing work to advance reconciliation. Our colonial past and the harmful policies that were implemented are the direct cause of many systemic issues that Indigenous Peoples face today.

“As communities across Canada continue to uncover the horrific truths of former residential schools, we are reminded that Indigenous Peoples have shared these stories for 150 years only to be ignored. And yet, as we move forward, there is a sense of optimism and hope for the generations to come, because Canada is working hand in hand with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to advance their priorities and renew these relationships. Together, we are building a more united and reconciled country.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to work alongside Survivors of residential schools and families, and collaborating with Indigenous communities, Indigenous governments and federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as key local, regional, national, and grass-root Indigenous organizations throughout Canada to build prosperity, advance self-determination, and support the well-being of Indigenous Peoples and communities. In addition, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (the Act), which received Royal Assent in June 2021, will continue to guide all of our co-development work with First Nations partners.

“There is still much more to do, and it requires effort across Canada, in all walks of life. All levels of government, the private sector, and civil society have a shared responsibility to take action and work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples towards systemic and lasting change. This starts with learning about and understanding our shared history.

“This month, we encourage all Canadians to learn more about Indigenous knowledge and the unique histories, cultures and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada, and how we are working together to build a  stronger country. For more information about how to participate and access learning resources, please visit the National Indigenous History Month website.”

Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca

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