Marking the longest day and shortest night of the year, the June 21 summer solstice carries great cultural significance to many people around the world. It is also celebrated as “National Indigenous Peoples Day,” a day to acknowledge and honour the distinctive histories, cultures, achievements and identities of Indigenous peoples.
“June 21 is a day when we as Métis let our spirits shine, as we mark the summer solstice and celebrate our beautiful culture,” shares MNO President Margaret Froh. “It’s an opportunity to acknowledge our Métis communities here in Ontario that have been leaders in advancing Métis rights and recognition for all Métis from Ontario westward. It’s a day to remember and honour the struggles of our ancestors, and keep their wisdom and resilience in our hearts and our minds.”
Current circumstances make the day a little different this year with some of the celebrations moving online as we continue to deal with the effects of COVID-19. Still, we encourage you to take time and reflect on what Indigenous Peoples Day means to you, what it would mean to your ancestors, and what it will come to mean for future generations.
On behalf of the Métis Nation of Ontario, we wish you a very happy National Indigenous Peoples’ Day!
Posted June 21, 2020