National Indigenous Day: A Day of Recognition and Reflection
June 18, 2024
Every year, National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to honour the rich histories, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. This special day, celebrated on June 21st, coincides with the summer solstice.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is not just a day of celebration; it serves as a vital reminder of the deep-rooted history and cultural diversity of Indigenous communities.
It is a day to reflect on the achievements of Indigenous peoples, recognize the strength of their communities, and reaffirm our commitment to truth and reconciliation. This day offers a unique opportunity to educate oneself and others about Indigenous culture, history, and societal contributions.
It is a day of reflection on the past and the efforts and struggles of the Elders and ancestors. This includes the residential school era, the 1960s scoop, and the ongoing struggles in children and family services.
From coast to coast, the day is marked with vibrant ceremonies, cultural performances, and community gatherings. These events powerfully express the ongoing journey towards recognition and respect for Indigenous rights and traditions. They provide a platform for sharing the beauty and wisdom of Indigenous cultures with a wider audience, promoting understanding and unity.
As we commemorate this important day, it is crucial to engage in conversations about the past, present, and future of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Educational initiatives and cultural exchanges are key in bridging gaps and fostering a more inclusive society.
By actively participating in these efforts, we can contribute to the healing and growth processes essential for reconciliation.
Economic reconciliation must also be realized. Indigenous engagement in Canada’s economy is a key path toward future success.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is more than just a single day of the year. It is a continual reminder of our shared responsibility to support Indigenous communities, preserve their cultures, and ensure their rights are upheld.
Together, let us take this day to celebrate, learn, and grow, honouring the past and looking forward to a future of mutual respect and shared understanding.
Today and every day, let us walk gently and respectfully, acknowledging the land beneath our feet and the Indigenous peoples who have been its stewards through generations.
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A moment of remembrance, a call to healing: September 30, 2025 This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, invites all Canadians to pause, remember, learn, and act in solidarity with Indigenous survivors, families, and communities affected by the residential school system. It is a day of solemn commemoration and a powerful reminder that Every Child Matters. Why this day matters Established in 2013 through a survivor’s heart-wrenching story, Orange Shirt Day symbolizes not only the tangible losses of identity, culture, language, and dignity, but also the enduring resilience of Indigenous peoples. In 2021, this movement became Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a federal statutory holiday born out of Call to Action 80, reflecting the nation’s commitment to facing an uncomfortable past and working toward repair. Looking ahead: September 30, 2025 As we approach the 5th statutory observance of this deeply significant day and the 13th Orange Shirt Day, it’s an opportunity to engage in collective truth-telling and healing. Across the country, communities, educational institutions, organizations, and individuals will come together—raising the Survivors’ Flag, honouring stories, hosting walks, sharing teachings, and wearing orange in unity. Bimaadzwin’s reflection and commitment At Bimaadzwin, we stand with Indigenous families in their pursuit of justice, healing, and equity. As we observe this day, we remind ourselves that commemoration must be interwoven with lasting action—through supporting survivors, empowering communities, and advancing systemic transformation. Isadore Day, CEO, Bimaadzwin shares: “We stand with First Nations families and communities in seeking justice and healing for the harms caused by discriminatory systems. This day is an opportunity to honour the resilience of our children and their futures—because every child truly matters.” This sentiment echoes Bimaadzwin’s broader work—advocating for the rights of children and families and supporting claims under the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle settlement, which offers a concrete pathway toward healing. How you can honour Every Child Matters Wear orange to show unwavering support and remembrance. Attend or host community commemorations —from walks and ceremonies to flag raisings. Engage in learning —understand the legacy of residential schools, the 94 Calls to Action, and how reconciliation can be enacted. Support grassroots and Indigenous-led initiatives , including the Orange Shirt Society’s vital education and advocacy work. On September 30, 2025, as we honour the children who never returned home and, with them, the enduring strength of survivors and their communities, let us also affirm our responsibility—to uphold that Every Child Matters not just in name, but in lasting, equitable action and care. Together, may we continue walking the path of truth, healing, and reconciliation—one step, one story, one child at a time.
National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025