Tips for National Indigenous Peoples Day

It may be the first day of spring, but summer will be here before we know it and summer brings with it a very important day: National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. 

National Indigenous Peoples Day is the perfect day to commemorate the rich cultures, histories and contributions of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit of Turtle Island and Inuit Nunangat!  We have a few tips and tricks to help you prepare for the best National Indigenous Peoples Day ever. 

DO: Visit an artisan market to purchase authentic, Indigenous-made goods like earrings, artwork and fine leather goods. 

DON’T: Dress in “costume.” Our regalia has meaning and significance. Be respectful of that. 

DO: Learn the names of the Indigenous Peoples and the placenames for the land you call home.

DON’T: Tell us our names are too difficult to pronounce. Instead, be open to learning! If you can learn how to say nalysnyky, you can learn how to say nêhiyawêwin. 

DO: Plan to attend Indigenous events like a pow wow, round dance or Métis Fest. 

DON’T: Be scared to join in.  First Nations, Métis and Inuit are joyous Peoples who love to laugh and know how to have a blast. Join in the fun!

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a celebration and a small acknowledgement of the ongoing survival of our Peoples.  There’s a time to be sad and a time to be happy. Let June 21 be a day where joy is spread like jam on bannock. After all, joy is an act of resistance!