A member of Walpole Island First Nation took part in a sunrise ceremony on Tuesday morning, just outside of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, to mark National Aboriginal Day.
Theland Kicknosway, 13, who lives near Ottawa with his family, took part in the festivities at dawn in Gatineau, Quebec.
“Today was a spiritual humble day for me,” Kicknosway said on social media.
“I had to wake up early but i’m okay now, remembering our MMIW families, children, youth and our ancestors… abuse is not our tradition.”
National Aboriginal Day is celebrating 20 years of strong vibrant cultures and traditions.
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 Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous Peoples.
Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal 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 as the longest day of the year.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other members of his caucus took part in the sunrise ceremony today as well.
Trudeau stated that National Aboriginal Day is a time to celebrate and honour the unique heritage and outstanding achievements of the Indigenous peoples in Canadaa.
“National Aboriginal Day is first and foremost an occasion to celebrate the fundamental role First Nations, Métis, and Inuit have played – and continue to play – in shaping the identity of all Canadians,” Trudeau stated.
“Coast to coast to coast, their remarkable art and cultures, significant contributions and history, are essential to our sense of nationhood.”
Trudeau said events over the past few months – including the loss of life to suicide and the feelings of despair felt in some communities – remind us that we must work in genuine partnership with Indigenous peoples, the provinces, and the territories to better support the well-being of children and families, improve the quality of education for Indigenous students, and ensure health services meet the needs of Indigenous communities.
“No relationship is more important to our government and to Canada than the one with Indigenous peoples,” the Prime Minister stated. “Today, we reaffirm our government’s commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples, one based on the recognition of rights, respect, trust, co-operation, and partnership.”
Trudeau added: “We understand the importance of reconciliation and the process of truth-telling and healing in this renewal. With this is mind, we will continue the vital work of reconciliation as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, in partnership with First Nations, the Métis Nation, the Inuit, the provinces, and the territories. This work will build on our commitment last month to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“Together, we will think seven generations out – as the Iroquois have taught – as we listen to Indigenous voices on environmental matters, build necessary roads, bridges, and water and wastewater infrastructure, and ensure a better and brighter future for Indigenous peoples in Canada.”
Locally, the Lambton-Kent District School Board acknowledges June 21 as a special day to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples in Canada.
“While much remains to be done on the road to reconciliation,” stated Director Jim Costello. “We at the LKDSB recognize a future of such wonderful learning potential for all our staff and students. I believe the foundation for working together with our four First Nation partners has been solidly established through the commitment to engage in the spirit of Respect, Recognition and Responsibility. Our partnership approach is unique and something we are very proud of.”
“On behalf of all Trustees, I would like to acknowledge this Aboriginal Day and give a warm thanks to Aamjiwnaang First Nation; Delaware Nation; Kettle & Stony Point First Nation; & Bkejwanong First Nation,” stated board chair Jane Bryce.
“We also send greetings and good wishes to all First Nation, Métis and Inuit students, parents, and teachers on this day of celebration.”
The Chatham-Kent Police Service also celebrated the day, by recognizing the heritage and culture of one of their officers:
#CKPS Const Dyer – member of the Chippewas of the Thames – wishes everyone a Happy #NationalAboriginalDay pic.twitter.com/oqQFNwjUii
— Chatham-Kent Police (@CKPSMedia) 21 June 2016
– Submitted photo: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with Theland Kicknosway.
