The Young Pipeliners Association of Canada is excited to celebrate the unique and diverse culture of First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples on June 21 recognized as National Indigenous Peoples Day.
June 21 is a very important day that we should all support, be aware and learn to build and sustain friendships within Indigenous communities for the next seven generations. National Indigenous Peoples Day is an important day to recognize, celebrate, embrace the strength and resilience Indigenous communities have sharing with us. The 2016 Census reported 1,673,785 people self-reporting as Indigenous, accounting to 4.9% of the population. Among this are members are from over 630 recognized First Nation communities, 53 Inuit communities, many diverse Metis communities developed along historical fur trade routes spanning the Country, with more than 50 identified languages and and even greater number of dialects and distinct cultures.
It is important to acknowledge which traditional territory you have the opportunity to learn, work and enjoy – take the time to find out locate which community, language and if there’s overlapping traditional territory here: Native-Land.ca | Our home on native land. Next, I want you to ask yourself how you could be involved, what are you giving back to the land or community? How and what are the necessary steps to ensure what you are providing will be sustainable for the next seven generations? Please carry these discussions within your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors, what are their perspectives and maybe the connection of having an open discussion and safe space for Indigenous perspectives.
What are some ways you can celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day?
- Support local Indigenous Art
- Explore Indigenous Artists, Authors, Performers, Directors, Composers
- Research Native Plant Species to plant in your garden and support biodiversity
- Make a traditional Indigenous food recipe
- Learn how to say “Hello, how are you, I am good, thank you” in a local Indigenous language
- Reach out to the Indigenous Inclusion Committee within YPAC
We’ve also compiled many ways which you can get involved virtually:
Online Events
APTN Indigenous Day Live
Upcoming Events – Summer Solstice Festivals
Events in BC | Indigenous Tourism BC (indigenousbc.com)
Learning Resources
Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada
Celebrate Traditional Food
CBC Gem – Red Chef Revival – Season 1
Moose meat & Marmalade | Two chefs, two very different methods. (moosemeatandmarmalade.com)
Podcasts
Think Indigenous (libsyn.com)
Native Currents
This Land
Coffee With My Ma
All My Relations
The Jig Is Up
Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo
Listen | Métis In Space — Métis In Space (metisinspace.com)
New Fire | CBC Podcasts | CBC Listen
Episodes — The Henceforward
Unreserved with Falen Johnson | Live Radio | CBC Listen
Watch
Namwayut: we are all one. Truth and reconciliation in Canada
Reel Injun (trailer)
Shadow of Dumont (trailer)
Rhymes for Young Ghouls (trailer)
Stolen Spirits of Haida Gwaii (movie)
Searching For Winnetou (documentary)
Maker of Monsters: The Extraordinary Life of Beau Dick (documentary)
NFB library of films about Indigenous Peoples
Listen to and learn about some Indigenous musicians
https://www.indigenousmusic.ca/artists
Indigenous Music Celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day with Mentor Meetings and Virtual Artist Showcase | News | Indigenous Music
Support Indigenous Art
Welcome | Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada (passthefeather.org)
Discover Indigenous Authors
Books to read for National Indigenous History Month | chapters.indigo.ca
Visit a Museum Collection Online
Canadian Museum of Human Rights:
Approaching the human rights stories of Indigenous peoples
Picking Up the Pieces: The Making of the Witness Blanket
Dick Patrick: An Indigenous veteran’s fight for inclusion
Childhood denied
Bringing the ancestors home
The Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture (metismuseum.ca)
Online Resources – Museum of Anthropology at UBC
Take a Pledge of Reconciliation
Personal Pledge
Professional Pledge