Today, June 21, is Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day. Similar to Indigenous Peoples Day in the US, today is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and contributions of Indigenous people, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The Canadian National Indigenous Peoples Day aligns with the summer solstice in keeping with indigeneous traditions celebrating the longest day of the year. Across Canada, the day is marked by ceremonies and celebrations that highlight cultural performances and activities, displays of arts and crafts, and events that recognize the contributions by Indigenous people.

According to the United Nations, there are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in the world living across 90 countries and they speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent approximately 5,000 different cultures. Indigenous Peoples Day holidays are celebrated not only in Canada, but also in the United States, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Suriname, and Venezuela on various dates throughout the year. The United Nations General Assembly designated August 9 to be the annual International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. 

Here are some ways you can celebrate Canada's National Indigenous Peoples Day this year: 

• Use the Native Land website or download the app on your phone for iOS or Android
• Check out National Indigenous Peoples Day virtual activities through Celebrate Canada
• Learn more about National Indigenous History Month in Canada
• For more information on First Nations, Inuit and Métis-led virtual activities, please visit:
• Assembly of First Nations
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
• Métis National Council

SCU sits on the land of the Ohlone and Muwekma Ohlone people and we recognize and celebrate our local indigenous traditions. You can honor and support local indigenous traditions here:

• SCU’s land acknowledgement
• Check out the Library’s Research Guide for The Ohlone in Santa Clara: Primary and secondary resources aiding in the study and research of the Ohlone tribe of Native Californians in Santa Clara.
• Consider giving Shuumi Land Tax through the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust. The Shuumi Land Tax is a voluntary annual contribution of non-Indigenous people living on the Confederated Villages of Lisjan’s territory.
• Indigeneous Peoples Day in the US will be celebrated this year on October 11, 2021.

Best,

Susan Popko
Associate Provost for International Programs

 

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