What is National Indigenous Peoples Day?
In 1996 the Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day, now widely known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice as National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice being the longest day of the year.
This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Indigenous peoples.
Although these three groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, traditional practices, teachings, and spiritual beliefs.
The City of Thunder Bay invites residents to participate in various community events happening throughout the city on June 21, 2022, as we celebrate this very important day with or Indigenous, friends, neighbours and families.
National Indigenous Peoples Day community events
Sunrise Ceremonies |
The National Indigenous Peoples Day Committee, along with their many valued partners invite the public to Anemki Wajiw - Thunder Mountain (Mount McKay) for a Sunrise Ceremony at 5:30am.
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Anemki Wajiw Pow Wow |
The National Indigenous Peoples Day Committee, along with their many valued partners invite the public to attend the Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Pow Wow on Anemki Wajiw - Thunder Mountain (Mount McKay).
Everyone Welcome! Event if free, all are welcome! Pow wow, entertainment, crafters, and feast Opening Ceremonies: 12:00pm Grand Entry: 1:00pm Feast: 5:00pm Closing Ceremonies & Giveaways: 7:00pm
***Please be advised that all Elders and Dancers are permitted to drive their own vehicles up the mountain, all other guests are to ride the bus up the mountain. Limited accessibility parking spots available. Email nadtbay@gamil.com if you require further accommodations.
MC - Jim Mishquart, Arena Director - Dave Simard, Host Drum - 8 time Grammy nominated Black Lodge Singers, Co-host - English River Singers. All drums welcome, honorarium to the first six drums.
Visit the National Indigenous Peoples Day Thunder Bay Facebook Page
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Feast |
The National Indigenous Peoples Day Committee, along with their many valued partners invite the public to attend the Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Feast on Anemki Wajiw - Thunder Mountain (Mount McKay) at 5:00pm. Everyone Welcome!
Attendees will be required to ride the bus up the mountain. Limited accessibility parking spots available. Email nadtbay@gamil.com if you require further accommodations.
Visit the National Indigenous Peoples Day Thunder Bay Facebook Page
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In-person/Online Activity and Events |
The Community Inclusion Team with the Thunder Bay Police Service invites the public to attend the raising of the Thunderbird Flag at the Thunder Bay Police Station in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, at 9:00am. Red Sky Métis Independent Nation invites the public to join them at the Spirit Garden in Marina Park on June 21, from 11:30am - 5:30pm for various family fun activities in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day
For more information visit RSMIN Website Anishnawbe Mushkiki Community Health and Wellness Aboriginal Health Access Centre invites the public to attend various activities throughout the month of June to honour Indigenous History Month and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Medicine Walk When: Friday, June 17, 3:00pm Where: Meet at Sherbrooke School at 3:00pm for directions or free transportation to medicine picking spot Connect with the land and learned about their medicine qualities with Elder Gerry Martin. Youth Drum Circle (Ages 7-14) When: Monday, June 20, 6:00pm - 7:30pm Where: Sherbrooke School (enter through day care entrance) Come join the Youth Drum Circle where you will gain knowledge caring and playing the hand drum. Bring your own drum or try one of ours. Learn songs, make friends, have fun! Open to all youth! Hosted by: Anishnawbe Mushkiki, Community Health & Wellness, Aboriginal Health Access Centre Traditional Foods When: Wednesday, June 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm Where: Zoom (Register for your Zoom link) Join Anishnawbe Mushkiki virtually on Zoom to learn the many benefits Traditional Foods can provide. Hosted by Anishnawbe Mushkiki, Community Health & Wellness, Aboriginal Health Access Centre Water if Life: Necklace Making When: Thursday, June 23 - Session 1: 2:30 - 3:30pm - Session 2: 3:30 - 4:30pm Where: Sherbrooke School Who: Youth Aged 7 - 17 & Adults Join Anishnawbe Mushkiki to learn water teachings from Indigenous knowledge holders. Discover women's responsibility as Water Keepers and make a traditional necklace using beads and a copper vessel. Hosted by Anishnawbe Mushkiki, Community Health & Wellness, Aboriginal Health Access Centre
Visit Anishnawbe Mushkiki's Facebook Page for more information and additional upcoming events and activities.
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Maamawe Summer Festival & Showcase
Also don't miss our upcoming Maamawe Summer Festival & Showcase on June 25.
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