Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day while Confronting Canada’s “Ugly Truth”
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Posted by Shelby Percival
- Posted in BlogsNews
June 21, 2022 marks the 26th annual National Indigenous Peoples Day on Turtle Island (Canada).
Indigenous peoples across the country continue to demonstrate their resilience and strength, as the ongoing discoveries of unmarked burials at Indian Residential and Day Schools serve as stark reminders of a collective trauma that has not yet begun to heal. As Indigenous peoples continue to grapple with these devastating discoveries, it is important for Canada and Canadians to confront Canada’s “Ugly Truth” – the truth about the atrocities and treatment of Indigenous peoples in Canada since the time of contact.
Falconers LLP takes great pride in working with diverse and unique First Nations communities and is honoured to assist in advocating for justice in a variety of legal matters. Falconers LLP is honoured to stand with Indigenous peoples across Canada as the work continues to make changes that will benefit their communities – and to commemorate, alongside them, this important day of remembrance and renewal.
On June 1, 2022, Mayor of Toronto John Tory proclaimed June as National Indigenous Peoples Month. On June 21, 2022 at 5:30am in Nathan Phillips Square, the City of Toronto is hosting their annual sunrise ceremony. This ceremony consists of a sacred fire, strawberries, water, and the use of sage for cleansing. This will be followed by the Mayor’s proclamation and presentation to representatives of the Indigenous community, as well as the involvement of treaty partners.
Falconers LLP encourages Canadians to pause, reflect, and find ways to appropriately acknowledge National Indigenous Peoples Day. Ways to get involve include:
- Attend at a ceremony or presentation in your community;
- Read and become aware of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action;
- Read and become aware of the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice;
- Learn about Indigenous culture, traditions, and history – for some recommendations click here;
- Learn about Indigenous organizations, events, and research via Tkaronto Indigenous Portal;
- Learn about the significance of the land acknowledgments in Tkaronto; and
- Support Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.
Falconers LLP joins our First Nations neighbours and friends in honouring this important day, as we continue to work together in a good way on the path towards Reconciliation.
