June 21st is National Indigenous People’s Day in Canada and was first proclaimed in 1996. It is a day to acknowledge, honour and celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Metis People’s accomplishments, history and culture. As we reflect on our journey toward reconciliation and this day, we humbly acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 Territory, the ancestral and traditional territory of the Nehiyawak (Plains Cree), Nahkawininiwak (Saulteaux), Nakota (Assiniboine), Dakota and Lakota (Sioux), and Denesuline (Dene) people as well as the traditional homelands of the Metis people.
While the sharing of Indigenous teachings and ways of knowing and being is a focus throughout the school year, Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division promotes the celebration of this most important day in all school communities. Resources and ideas on ways to honour National Indigenous People’s Day have been shared by the division’s Indigenous Perspectives Team with teachers. Many schools have school wide events planned while others are focused on these teachings in the classroom. Some classes are planning to attend community planned events such as the National Indigenous People’s Day KISTAPINANIHK (Prince Albert) planned for on the riverbank in Prince Albert from 8 AM – 10 PM. The public is encouraged to attend as well, as we are all an integral part of reconciliation in our community.