Our Voices, Our Stories: Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada

Greetings on this National Indigenous Peoples Day! At the Indigenous Friends Association (IFA), we celebrate the rich heritage, resilience, and vibrant cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. This day is a chance to not only recognize their history but also to amplify their voices and stories.

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada

Each year, on June 21st, we celebrate the unique contributions of Indigenous Peoples and their brilliance. This day serves as a celebration of the longstanding traditions, languages, and ways of knowing that have shaped this land since time immemorial.

Why It Matters

Indigenous Peoples have existed in relationship with this land for millennia, developing and building complex societies, governance systems, and sustainable practices. National Indigenous Peoples Day is a crucial step towards reconciliation and building bridges of understanding. 

It's a day to:

• Honor the Past: Acknowledge the history of colonization and its effect and impact on Indigenous communities.

• Celebrate the Present: Recognize the ongoing contributions of Indigenous Peoples to art, science, technology, and society.

• Look to the Future: Build a path towards a more inclusive and respectful future for Indigenous Peoples.

How IFA Empowers Indigenous Youth

At IFA, we believe in the transformative power of art and technology. Our IndigiTAL program offers a unique blend of cultural teachings, digital literacy skills, and artistic expression specifically designed for Indigenous youth and newcomers to Canada.

Through this program, participants can:

• Explore their heritage: Learn about traditional knowledge and storytelling practices.

• Develop digital skills: Gain proficiency in tools like Procreate, Krita, and Google Suite, empowering them to share their stories in new ways.

• Connect with their communities: Build networks with mentors and leaders, fostering a sense of belonging.

The success stories of our graduates, like Kyla Monture, Lianna Rice, and Miranda Saddleback, and our in-house artist Tsista Kennedy, are testaments to the power of the IndigiTAL program. These young individuals are embracing their heritage while becoming innovators in the digital world.

Celebrating Together

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day for everyone to reflect, learn, and celebrate. Here are some ways you can participate:

• Attend local festivals or educational events.

• Support Indigenous artists and businesses.

• Learn about Indigenous history and contemporary issues.

• Donate to organizations, like IFA, that empower Indigenous youth.

Empower Indigenous Youth Today

This National Indigenous Peoples Day, we invite you to join us in making a real difference. Your tax-deductible donation to the Indigenous Friends Association will directly support our vital IndigiTAL program. Help us empower Indigenous youth to explore their heritage, develop essential skills, and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Donate Today! Invest in the future of Indigenous youth. Together, we can build a brighter future where Indigenous voices are heard and celebrated.

https://www.indigenousfriends.org/monthly