NORTH GRENVILLE, ON – North Grenville’s Municipal Council wishes to take this opportunity to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day.
This, June 21, 2021, marks the 25th anniversary of celebrating the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
For as far back as oral histories can tell us, Indigenous Peoples around the world have marked the summer and winter solstices in ceremony, ritual and celebration. Here in North America, or on Turtle Island, most Indigenous communities mark the longest day of the year by reflecting on all the good things in our lives and by giving thanks for all that the earth has shared with us.
Given the recent discovery of the 215 children whose bodies were recently identified as buried in unmarked graves at a residential school in Kamloops, BC, today more than ever, is an opportunity for all Canadians to listen and learn more about Indigenous Peoples and their experiences.
It is also a moment to recognize and celebrate the remarkable resilience and strength of indigenous cultures and communities throughout Canada.
Council encourages residents to take the opportunity to review and better understand the context for the Recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
National Aboriginal Day (now National Indigenous Peoples Day) was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day. This was the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups.
At the June 15, 2021 Council Meeting, North Grenville’s Council requested that an Indigenous land acknowledgment be developed in consultation with relevant and appropriate Indigenous organizations.
North Grenville is on the traditional territory of the Algonquin.
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For more Information contact:
Jill Sturdy, Corporate Media Relations Officer
613-258-9569 ext. 168