Sunday also marked the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day. In 1996, Governor General Roméo LeBlanc declared June 21 of each year as “National Aboriginal Day.” In 2017, the federal government renamed it “National Indigenous Peoples Day.” “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 former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the time.
The day is celebrated during the summer solstice because, for generations, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions as the seasons changed. As part of the celebrations, Bruce County and Museum Cultural Centre offered free admission and a self-guided visit through the Anishinaabwe Endaat Gallery. At Grey Roots, people were invited to explore Indigenous art and stories in the Grey County Gallery and Saukiing Anishnaabekiing presents Our Stories. Indigenous visitors can attend the museum free of charge year-round. At
Cape Croker Park, a celebration featuring bouncy castles, food, crafts, and activities was scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day and Father’s Day. On board the MS Chi-Cheemaun, Indigenous peoples were offered free passage for the day.
Owen Sound, sunrise ceremony, National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, Roméo LeBlanc, Justin Trudeau, Bruce County, Museum Cultural Centre, Grey Roots, Cape Croker Park, MS Chi-Cheemaun
Nice sunrise thing.
So wait, this started in 1996 but then Trudeau renamed it? I just feel like every year there’s a new name for the same day. Either way I guess it’s cool they had free museum stuff.
The bouncy castles part got me 😂. Like I’m happy people are celebrating but why is it mixed with Father’s Day too? Also MS Chi-Cheemaun free passage sounds like a good deal, but do they just let anyone on or only Indigenous folks?
I saw “sunrise ceremony” and thought it was gonna be some kind of political rally. But then it’s just museums and galleries and traditions with the solstice, which is honestly better than I expected. Still confused why the Governor General did it in the first place like was it a law or just an announcement? My cousin said it’s basically just a Canada version of Columbus Day but… idk.