National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations observing across Canada

Prime Minister Mark Craney said his message “In my first months as Prime Minister, I have been grateful for the opportunity to meet with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and I recognize there is much more work to do together.

“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. Indigenous partnership is a critical component of the One Canadian Economy Act, and shared leadership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis will be pivotal to the success of building major projects in Canada.

“We will move forward together on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice, and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

“Supporting Indigenous communities, advancing self-determination, implementing treaties, and creating generational wealth and prosperity are central to our commitment to advancing reconciliation. Through initiatives like the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, we’re addressing the historical, systemic, and economic barriers that have prevented Indigenous Peoples from participating in – and benefitting from – economic opportunities, particularly in the natural resource sector.

“Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, and every day, we honour the enduring histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and we reaffirm our partnership in reconciliation. Together, we can build a better future, a stronger economy, and a legacy that future generations can inherit and carry forward.”

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.”

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.

Sunrise ceremonies, which include prayers, greetings to the sun and giving thanks to the Earth, have been held today in multiple locations across the country.

Ontario

In Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow appeared at Nathan Phillips Square to participate in a sunrise ceremony. Elsewhere in the city, the Na-Me-Res Traditional Powwow and Indigenous Arts Festival will take place at the Fort York National Historic Site, featuring traditional dances, live concerts and a food market.

In Ottawa, the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday, features a competition powwow, traditional foods and teaching sessions.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Drumming, singing and sage filled Bannerman Park in St. John’s for the First Light’s Sunrise Ceremony. Attendees also participated in a smudging ceremony and shared blessed water and berries.

“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. 

Nova Scotia

About 40 people gathered at the break of dawn along the Atlantic coast near Louisbourg, N.S., for a Mi’kmaw sunrise ceremony.

The ceremony was led by residential school survivor and Eskasoni First Nation Elder Lottie Johnson, who said it’s meant for all people to share.

“It’s a very special time. It’s quiet and as the sun comes up, you see the creation of [the] creator. Everything is so beautiful and it’s like almost-new again. That’s where you get the hope and the will to go on.”

Manitoba

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 the province. 

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.”