National Indigenous Peoples Day is being celebrated across Chatham-Kent today, Monday, June 21, 2021.
St. Clair Catholic District School Board
On Monday, June 21, 2021, St. Clair Catholic will recognize and honour National Indigenous Peoples Day with learning, events and celebrations across the system.
“In the wake of the devastating news about the discovery of the remains of 215 children at the Kamloops Residential School, and in recognition of the seven generations of Indigenous Peoples who survived the residential school system, our learning and events will honour lives stolen and generations impacted,” stated Deb Crawford, Director of Education, in a media release.
St. Clair Catholic will begin National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 with prayer and remembering, to honor the resilience of Indigenous Peoples and celebrate the thousands of years of Indigenous wisdom and tradition, while also committing to ongoing reflection, learning, and action, year-round.
Highlights will include:
– Prayer with Elder Eric Isaac, Bkejwanong Territory
– Honouring and Remembering – Cecil Isaac Jr., Bkejwanong Territory
– Resilience – Biindigaygizhig (Dan Deleary), Chippewa of the Thames First Nation
– St. Clair Catholic Youth Student Leadership Voice
– Hand Drum Social – White Lightning Clark and Matt Isaac
– Connecting through Art – Moses Lunham, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
St. Clair Catholic will continue all throughout the week to bring together Indigenous artists, performers, educators, students and community partners to share knowledge and celebrate diversity.
– On June 22, we will learn about the history of Inuit throat singing and learn about the stories behind the songs with Inuit-style throat singing duo, PIQSIQ: Tiffany Kuliktana Ayalik and Kayley Inuksuk Mackay.
– On June 23, St. Clair Catholic will host a Métis Kitchen Party, where we will jig, play the spoons, and listen to the fiddle, guitar, and hear stories with Brianna Lizzote, and Dean Bernier.
– On June 24, we will enjoy time together in a hand drum social with White Lightning Clark, Aamjiwnaang First Nation as the MC and guest singers and drummers including Matthew Isaac, Bkejwanong Territory.
“Through these and other learning opportunities, St. Clair Catholic will continue to bring communities together in understanding, wellness and support for students, staff and families,” stated Crawford.
National Indigenous Peoples Day events and celebrations are a continuation of learning throughout National Indigenous History Month, which began on June 1.
Lambton-Kent District School Board
The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is recognizing National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.
This year is the national 25th anniversary of celebrating the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
On this day and throughout the year, the LKDSB honours the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
LKDSB is committed to working with and alongside local Indigenous communities to promote learning and understanding of Indigenous rights, histories, knowledge, culture, and perspectives.
Staff, students, and families are encouraged to learn more about the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
June is National Indigenous History Month, a time for all Canadians to reflect upon and learn the history, sacrifices, cultures, contributions, and strength of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
Current events reinforce the roles and responsibilities of educators and education workers to support learning and understanding of Indigenous rights, histories, knowledge, culture and perspectives, as well as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action as they relate to education.
Throughout the month of June, the LKDSB Indigenous Education team has arranged a calendar of events and activities for staff and students to learn more about the diversity of Indigenous culture and histories; history of Pow Wows; significance of feathers; a Wallaceburg District Secondary School Virtual First Nation Music and Dance Showcase; connections to the land; Indigenous place names; lacrosse; and a virtual National Indigenous Peoples Day event, among other topics.
“As we honour National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and celebrate its 25th anniversary, we recognize the role of education in continuing to work with and alongside First Nation communities to increase knowledge and understanding of Indigenous rights, histories, perspectives, culture and knowledge and to further our strategic priority of ‘Inclusive Diversity: Champion anti-oppressive education’,” said Director John Howitt in a media release.
“On June 21 and throughout the school year, the LKDSB is committed to honouring the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada,” said Chair Randy Campbell, in a media release.
“The LKDSB appreciates the educational partnerships with Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Bkejwanong (Walpole Island) First Nation, Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation) and Kettle & Stony Point First Nation as we continue to work together to promote students’ success and well-being.”
Chatham-Kent Police Service
Today, members of the Chatham-Kent Police Service will be wearing ‘orange shirt’ pins to promote awareness and education surrounding the Indigenous residential school system and the impact it has had on Indigenous communities.
“As we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize and honour the history, culture and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples throughout Canada,” police officials say.
Here is a message from Chief Gary Conn:
