NEW NAME DISTINGUISHES NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY: A recognition of rights, respect and partnership
For 21 years, National Aboriginal Day has been celebrated across Canada. It’s a day for all Canadians to recognize the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Celebrated on June 21 every year, the day coincides with the summer solstice – a day of cultural significance for many Indigenous people around the world.
The original National Aboriginal Day came about as a result of the 1996 Royal Commission on Aboriginal peoples that recommended a day be established to recognize the diversity and resilience of Indigenous peoples and their contribution to Canada’s formation. Governor General Romeo LeBlanc proclaimed the first-ever Aboriginal Day on June 21, 1996, saying, “On June 21st, this year and every year, Canada will honour the native peoples who first brought humanity to this great land. And may the first peoples of our past always be full and proud partners in our future.”
On June 21 of 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement announcing the federal government’s intention to change the name of the day to National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD). “No relationship is more important to Canada than the relationship with Indigenous Peoples. Our Government is working together with Indigenous Peoples to build a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, government-to-government relationship – one based on respect, partnership, and recognition of rights,” said Trudeau in his statement.
“We are determined to make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous Peoples – by closing socio-economic gaps, supporting greater self-determination, and establishing opportunities to work together on shared priorities.”
Stephanie Palma, media relations representative for Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, said changing the name from ‘Aboriginal Day’ to ‘Indigenous Peoples Day’ is significant. “The Government of Canada believes the term Indigenous peoples represents the option for self-identification for First Nations, Inuit and Métis and reflects the terminology with the framework for reconciliation in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”
The name change is also an opportunity to renew relationships between the federal government and Indigenous peoples, said Palma. “As the Government works towards renewing its relationship with Indigenous peoples, the creation of National Indigenous Peoples Day provides an opportunity to renew the celebration, and to further recognize the contributions that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples bring to the identity and culture of Canada. We want the first NIPD to be a reflection of the new beginning between Canada and Indigenous peoples.”
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Chief Bobby Cameron is head of the organization that represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. Originally from Witchekan Lake First Nation, Chief Cameron describes NIPD as “a day of celebration, recognition and respect, it’s crucial.” He recognizes that momentum has built for National Aboriginal Day (now NIPD), particularly within the last decade.
“The current federal government, under Prime Minister Trudeau, is working more closely with First Nations. I’d also like to acknowledge the work our provincial government is doing. But beyond celebrating and participating in NIPD, let’s implement more actions at a grassroots level.”
Chief Cameron is the father of five and the grandfather of one. While he and his wife have not settled on their exact plans for June 21, “it’s always about family and we celebrate the day together.”
For 20 years, Saskatoonbased John Lagimodiere has been the publisher and editor of Eagle Feather News. He also delivers Aboriginal awareness training to corporate and government clients throughout Saskatchewan.
“The change in name to National Indigenous Peoples’ Day is part of an evolution and respect. It’s also more internationally recognized because the new name ties to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” said Lagimodiere.
On this first NIPD, there will be events happening from coast to coast to celebrate the unique heritage, language, and diverse culture of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. In Saskatchewan, community events will be held in Beauval, Duck Lake, Lumsden, Nipawin, Regina, Sandy Bay, Saskatoon and Wakaw.
How will Lagimodiere be spending June 21? “I’ll be giving a community presentation in Pinehouse in northern Saskatchewan and then attending a gathering of Elders. I could not think of a nicer way to celebrate the day.”