National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated on June 21st (Summer Solstice), is a special occasion for Canadians to honor the rich heritage, diverse cultures, and valuable contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It’s a day to recognize both the accomplishments and the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, past and present.
Despite the cancellation of public celebrations due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, there are meaningful ways to show respect for National Indigenous Peoples Day. One approach is to acknowledge the traditional Indigenous land we are on through a ‘Land Acknowledgement.’
A ‘Land Acknowledgement’ is more than just recognizing Indigenous land; it’s an expression of awareness and a commitment to understanding the historical and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous peoples. It serves as a call for justice and collective responsibility in addressing the impact of systemic issues, including genocide, ethnic cleansing, stolen land, and forced removal, that continue to affect Indigenous lives.
Understanding that colonialism is an ongoing challenge, the goal is to promote education and awareness about the deep-rooted issues faced by Indigenous peoples. Although acknowledgments may not fully capture the complexity of these challenges, they are crucial steps towards reflection, respect, and support for Indigenous communities.
Below is our Land Acknowledgement for 1922 CR Ltd in Toronto, Ontario:
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT — 1922 CR LTD: TORONTO, ONTARIO (120 SHERBOURNE ST.)
“We acknowledge the land on which 1922 CR Ltd operates, known as The Toronto Purchase – Treaty No. 13 (1805). This has long been the traditional territory of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation, the Haudenosaunee, the Huron-Wendat, and Anishinabek Nations. This land remains a meeting place and home to many Indigenous people, and we are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be established here.”
RESOURCES
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. ‘The Toronto Purchase Treaty No. 13 (1805).’ http://mncfn.ca/torontopurchase/.
York University. ‘What, Why and How to Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.’ https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2018/06/19/what-why-and-how-to-celebrate-national-indigenous-peoples-day/. (2018)
Whose Land. ‘Land Acknowledgement for Toronto.’ https://www.whose.land/en/discover/Toronto
CRE, Canadian Roots Exchange. ‘Research Hub.’ https://canadianroots.ca/.
Government of Canada. ‘National Indigenous Peoples Day.’ https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013248/1534872397533.
Native Land. ‘Territory Acknowledgement.’ https://native-land.ca/resources/territory-acknowledgement/.
City of Toronto. ‘Land Acknowledgement.’ https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accessibility-human-rights/indigenous-affairs-office/land-acknowledgement/. (2019)
Indigenous Education. ‘Acknowledging Traditional Territory.’ https://indigenouseducation.comoxvalleyschools.ca/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1064127&type=d&pREC_ID=1357630
