Honour Indigenous Peoples Day with Resources from Indigenous Communities
June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day and has been celebrated since 1996; this is a significant moment for Canada and for all to recognize the history, honor and resilience of the many First Nation, Métis and Inuit people that have resided on these lands since time immemorial. The longest day of the year is significant culturally as this day symbolizes a new season of life, a chance to start fresh.
As an act of reconciliation, Classroom Champions acknowledges the truths and celebrates the important contributions Indigenous people have made throughout and continue to make to society. We recognize that our Indigenous populations continue to experience the lasting impacts of colonization; and we strive to support and positively impact these communities through meaningful engagement and good relationships.
The United Nations estimates that there are over 370 million Indigenous people living in over 70 countries worldwide (1). The 2021 Census counted 1.8 million Indigenous people in Canada, now accounting for 5.0% of the total population.
How to Honour Indigenous Peoples Day
Embrace the Power of Indigenous Children’s Books
When you fill your bookshelves with books authored by Indigenous Communities, you show respect and support for Indigenous cultures and help students explore a world of rich heritage and different perspectives. These stories let students step into the lives of Indigenous characters and learn about their experiences. Embracing these books not only honors Indigenous communities but also helps kids understand, care, and respect each other better.
Supporting Indigenous authors and illustrators is important. It helps their voices be heard and their stories be shared. When Indigenous children see characters who look like them and share their experiences, they feel proud and included. And it helps all readers appreciate different cultures and feel like they belong in this diverse world.
- Hiawatha and the Peacemaker By Robbie Robsertson & David Shannon
- Birdsong By Julie Flett
- What’s My Superpower? By Aviaq Johnston
- A Day With Yayah By Nicola I. Campbell
- When We Are Kind By Monique Gray Smith
- Just a Walk By Jordan Wheeler
- Little You By Richard Van Camp
- My Heart Fills With Happiness ByMonique Gray Smith
- We Belong to the Drum By Sandra Lamouche
- My Kokum Called Today By Iris Loewen
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day: Honoring Communities through Music
Another way to show appreciation and respect for Indigenous Communities is through the power of music. Listening to music from Indigenous Nations not only allows us to immerse ourselves in the enchanting sounds and rhythms unique to each community, but also serves as a meaningful tribute to their rich traditions.
Indigenous music carries the stories, wisdom, and resilience of these communities, making it a beautiful channel for fostering cultural appreciation and understanding. By taking the time to explore and embrace Indigenous music, we open our hearts to a world of harmonies that unite us, while paying homage to the Indigenous peoples who have contributed so much to our shared humanity.
How will you honour Indigenous People’s Day?
Let’s embrace these resources and educate ourselves and our students to promote understanding, respect, and appreciation for Indigenous cultures and histories. We can honor Indigenous Peoples Day with open hearts and a commitment to build a more inclusive and fair society for everyone.
