National Indigenous Peoples Day

Each year on the summer solstice, Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day recognizes all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures. The summer solstice is the longest day of sunlight of the year and holds great importance to many Indigenous Peoples.

While individuals, families, and organizations are at different places on the path to education and reconciliation, the Calgary Chamber recognizes the importance of days like today that remind us of this journey and spark opportunities for conversation and learning.

Today, we take time for conversations within our workplace by gathering to learn about each of our family's origins. This conversation allows us to explore a deeper connection within our team, and appreciation for the land we now live on.

We are also inviting all team members to kickstart their learning by taking the "Indigenous Canada" free online course from the Faculty of Native Studies at The University of Alberta. The 12-lesson course explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada.

By initiating conversations and furthering our education within our organization, we seek a better understanding, and recognition of meaningful acts of reconciliation as we serve Calgary's business community.

The Calgary Chamber encourages all Calgarians and businesses to take part in the path to education and reconciliation by starting conversations and learning opportunities within their own communities. To help, we have gathered some of our go-to resources below.

Where to start?

As individuals and as organizations, we all have an important role to play in education and reconciliation. Reconciliation begins with the individual and extends to our families, personal relationships, and workplaces. Eventually, this can become a journey of community that can bring healing to our individual and collective relationships with Indigenous people.

Resources

• Government of Canada: About National Indigenous Peoples Day
• University of Alberta: "Indigenous Canada" free online course
• Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
• United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP)
• Native Land Digital Map
• Calgary Public Library: Elders' Guidance Circle
• Calgary Foundation: Treaty 7 Ally Toolkit
• Indigenous Awareness Training: Nisto Consulting
• Indigenous Engagement Consulting: Forum Community Relations
• 150 Acts of Reconciliation
• Namwayut: we are all one