National Indigenous People’s Day marks 25th anniversary
Monday marked the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous People’s Day. This year it’s a day for celebration but also reflection as the country recognizes a shameful part of Canada’s history.
The national observance recognizes the heritage, diverse cultures and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people.
“To me this day represents that we’re still here and we’re still strong and our ways are coming back and our languages are coming back,” said Cheyyene Littlelight, a language teacher at Tsuut’ina First Nation,
Littlelight said the day is a celebration of songs, dances, artwork, beadwork and accomplishments.
Cheyyene Littlelight
(Cheyyene Littlelight)
“This day is about empowerment that we are still here and we aren’t going anywhere. We are reclaiming our identity and our languages through dances and songs and ceremonies, practicing our traditional teachings with our students in the classroom and within our community,” said Jalisa Crowchild, language teacher at Tsuut’ina First Nation.
ESPECIALLY SIGNIFICANT
Indigenous leaders say this year is especially significant after last month’s discovery of the bodies of 215 children at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops.
The University of Calgary hosted a virtual edition of its campfire chats, where a panel of traditional knowledge keepers said this is an opportunity for meaningful discussion and how to make changes moving forward.
The Prime Minister released a statement Monday.
Justin Trudeau said while the country is celebrating the vibrant and diverse culture, languages and traditions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people, we must also acknowledge there is more work to do to advance truth and reconciliation.
This is also Aboriginal awareness week in Calgary and National Indigenous History Month.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.