National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, with National Indigenous Peoples Day taking place annually on June 21. This is a day for all of us to recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people across Canada.

As the University of Regina prepares to celebrate its 50^th Anniversary as an independent, degree granting university, we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to living out truth and reconciliation in everything we do – now and long into the future.

tânisi, miyo-kîsikâw, nîpin, mâmawi-kiyokêwak, miyawâtamowin

The ta-tawâw Student Centre at the University of Regina recognizes the importance of June 21 (National Indigenous Peoples Day) and the summer solstice. The summer is a time for communal celebration amongst the Indigenous Nations on our Treaty 4 lands. It is a time of growth, ceremonies, gathering, travel, visiting, and community building. We celebrate kimosôminaw (Grandfather Sun) and kikâwînaw (Mother Earth) for the provisions they generously give to us. We celebrate our resiliency on this land and the endurance that our ancestors displayed. We look forward to a year of renewed growth amongst our families, friends, communities, and nations. — John Bird, Manager, ta-tawâw Student Centre

“At the University of Regina, walking the path towards reconciliation means acknowledging hard truths and working together to build a brighter future for everyone in this country,” says Dr. Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor of the U of R. “We know that truth and reconciliation is not just about words, but also taking action.”

National Indigenous Peoples Day events

There are several National Indigenous Peoples Day events happening in Regina:

Regina Public Library is holding its National Indigenous Peoples Day event at the Central Branch on June 20 from noon to 1:00 pm. There will be cultural performances by the Lone Creek Dance Troupe and Métis Jigging by Marcus Merasty.

The Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Network and the City of Regina are hosting the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in Victoria Park on June 21 beginning at 10 a.m. There will be Indigenous performances, family-friendly activities, children’s crafts, and an Artisan Market.

On campus, the Dr. John Archer Library & Archives presentation Our Rooted Relatives will focus on the importance of flora and land-based knowledge from an Indigenous worldview. This event takes place on June 25 from 2-3 p.m. in the Dr. John Archer Library & Archives, Regina and Wascana Rooms.

Stories of Treaties and Decolonization

If you’re unable to attend the National Indigenous Peoples Day events but would like to learn more about colonialism and its continued impact, the Stories of Decolonization is a documentary project from filmmakers Dr. Gladys Rowe, Dr. Elizabeth Carlson-Manathara, and Teddy Zegeye-Gebrehiwot. The films share interviews and personal stories to support learning about colonialism and its continued impact on those living on the lands now called Canada and stories and actions towards decolonization.

The films – Stories of Decolonization: Land Dispossession and Settlement and Stories of Decolonization: (De)Colonial Relations – and curriculum guides are a free resource for schools, post-secondary institutions, and communities.

Find out more about the ta-tawâw Student Centre and the space they provide for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students at the University of Regina.

Discover Treaty Road Series 1, the latest work by U of R alumni Candy Renae Fox BFA’15. This in-depth and important 6-part documentary series follows Dakota/Anishinaabekwe educator and researcher, Erin Goodpipe and Métis writer, director, and producer Saxon de Cocq on their personal and communal journey as they travel the old roads to uncover the truth about the signing of the Numbered Treaties, and ultimately themselves. The site features informative Decolonization Resources everyone will find helpful.

Share your plans for National Indigenous Peoples Day on social media by using the hashtag #NIPD2024!

Banner Photo: National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on June 21 each year. Photo Courtesy, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.