National Indigenous Peoples Day

Press Release

June 18, 2024

Coinciding with the summer solstice, National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 has profound meaning for many Indigenous communities and is a day for all of us to recognize the achievements and significant contributions Indigenous Peoples have made, and continue to make, to our province. This day marks the start of a new season and the longest day of the year, holding spiritual as well as cultural significance.

National Indigenous Peoples Day, along with the National Indigenous History month, provides an important opportunity to highlight Indigenous cultures, histories, languages, and traditions, and address the ongoing disadvantages, injustices, human rights violations, and barriers Indigenous people face.

Thomas King, author and member of the Order of Canada, highlighted the importance of stories for Indigenous Peoples:

“The truth about stories is, that’s all we are.”

and

“There are no truths. Only stories.”

The importance of oral history and stories to Indigenous Peoples cannot be overstated; I encourage all Albertans to seek out and hear more of these stories.

Throughout Alberta, many local Indigenous-led events are occurring this month and throughout the year, including cultural festivals, community conversations, powwows, round dances, and other ceremonies and traditions. In participating in these events and hearing Indigenous stories and truth, we honour the original caretakers of these lands, celebrate their cultures, and support initiatives for truth, reconciliation, justice, and healing.

ILR6