National Indigenous History Month 2025

Press Release

This June, as we mark National Indigenous History Month and the 10th anniversary of the Declaration of the Rights of First Nations Children, we are honouring a handful of First Nations who were committed to defending the rights of children in Quebec and across Canada.

Nora Bernard (1935-2007)

Originally from the Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia, Nora Bernard was a passionate advocate for First Nations rights. Forced to attend the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School at the age of nine, she dedicated her life to amplifying the voices of survivors. Through her determination and commitment, she played a key role in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, one of the largest class-action settlements in Canadian history.

Besides being an inspiring activist, those closest to Nora remember her as a wise, humble woman who was caring and devoted to her family, friends and community.

Raientonni Aiontonnis

Raientonni Aiontonnis, better known as Big John Canadian, was a Mohawk raftsman, pilot, voyageur and lacrosse player from Caughnawaga (now Kahnawà:ke, in Quebec). A legendary figure of his time, he stood out as one of the best raftsmen for bringing down cribs of timber and as a famous steamboat pilot, employed by various shipping companies on the St. Lawrence between Montréal and Ontario.

From a young age, Raientonni embodied the courage and boldness passed down from his ancestors, and he always sought professions that reflected these values. He was also exceptionally talented in the traditional Mohawk sport of lacrosse.

Diem Saunders (1992-2021)

Born in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Diem Saunders grew up in the community of Nunatsiavut. Following the tragic murder of her sister Loretta in 2014, she became a leading voice in the fight for justice and the rights of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

A key figure in this cause, Diem testified in 2017 before the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, denouncing systemic injustices and honouring her sister’s memory. That same year, her activism was recognized by Amnesty International, which awarded her the Ambassador of Conscience Award.

Diem has left behind a legacy of courage and solidarity, notably through the creation of the Loretta Saunders Community Scholarship Fund, which supports Indigenous women pursuing postsecondary education in Mi’kma’ki, Nunatsiavut and the Atlantic provinces.

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