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
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
BREAKING McGill University seeks emergency injunction to remove pro-Palestinian encampment from campus
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Friday that Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.