The Indigenous Peoples Day.

Many countries and cultures around the globe celebrate the Summer Solstice according to their traditions, but Canadians celebrated another historical occasion alongside on the 21st: the Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day marked for remembering and respecting the tumultuous history that was pressed upon the first Nation, Inuit and Metis people of Canada while also celebrating and advocating for their political and sociocultural rights as Canada's first and Canada's own. But many don't know that the festivities last the entire month-- June is Indigenous History Month and a time where many of the Indigenous people come together to create and utilize spaces where their cultures are honored, their craft appreciated and their contributions acknowledged. This month, organizations of varying scales are held by communities of all sizes to not only educate and inform but also to amplify the individual and collective voices expressing the impact of colonization on their lives-- past and present.

Being part of the fight for progress fought by a culture different from your own may seem difficult, but that shouldn't be a deterrent for you. You can connect with your local Indigenous organizations, support Indigenous businesses when possible. As for resources, you can start easy at rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca and navigate through the various topics to introduce yourself to the identity of each of the 3 Indigenous Peoples. Maps created by various not-for-profit organizations exist for understanding the geographical history of different Indigenous Nations. There are also ways to effortlessly and effectively lift Indigenous voices through showing support on social media. 

As June ends, it is important to remember that support as an ally to the Indigenous Peoples should not end with the month but remain as long as their cause does.