Events recognizing National Indigenous Peoples Day

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, and halfway through National Indigenous History Month, we encourage everyone to set aside time and learn about Indigenous history in Canada and participate in Indigenous-led learning and culture. Lynn Lavallée, strategic lead, Indigenous resurgence at the Faculty of Community Services, has compiled a list of virtual happenings in response to questions from interested and allied individuals. Please join in to learn more about this day, and Indigenous cultures and realities in Canada today.  

Here is a list of some local, national, and international events happening that you may want to both join and share with your communities this month:

June 21

CBC Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day (external link, opens in new window) 

June 21, 2021 marks the 25th annual National Indigenous Peoples Day, an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage and diverse contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Opening Ceremony: National Indigenous Peoples Day (opens in new window) 

Community members are invited to join Aboriginal Student Services  for the opening ceremony of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Remarks will be shared by:

• Joanne Okimawininew Dallaire, Elder (Ke Shay Hayo) and Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
• Dr. Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor
• Dr. Denise O’Neil Green, Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion
• Monica McKay, Director, Aboriginal Initiatives

Indigenous Hub Virtual Ground Breaking Ceremony (external link, opens in new window) 

Join the Anishnawbe Health Foundation as they mark and celebrate the Summer Solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day with a groundbreaking ceremony at the first Indigenous Hub in Toronto.

Town of Whitby: National Indigenous Peoples Day (external link, opens in new window) 

The Town of Whitby will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2021. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.  

Tower Lighting: National Indigenous Peoples’ Day - Red, Yellow, Black & White (external link, opens in new window) 

This event is part of Mississauga’s Community Recognition Program. The program allows Canadian registered charities and non-profit groups to recognize and celebrate special occasions and events which create a spirit of community, celebrate Mississauga’s diverse cultures and contribute to enriching the quality of life in our City.

City of Toronto: Indigenous Peoples Day (external link, opens in new window) 

On Monday, June 21, 2021, the City of Toronto presents a virtual event to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.

June 22

Relationality through the Lens of Indigenous Human Rights Implementation (external link, opens in new window) 

This webinar is the fourth in the Indigenous-Settler Relations Collaboration's 2021 Critical Public Conversations series: Exploring Indigenous-Settler Relations (external link, opens in new window) .

June 23

Generous Futures: Indigenous Perspectives Decolonizing (external link, opens in new window) 

A panel series illuminating the diverse identities, perspectives and experiences within Canada's philanthropic community