On June 21, we come together to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day—it’s a time to honour and celebrate the unique cultures and diverse histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
But National Indigenous Peoples Day is more than a celebration; it’s an important opportunity to learn and reflect. This day invites Canadians to deepen their understanding of anti-discrimination and recognize the lasting impact of colonization.
Across Canada, Indigenous Peoples shape culture with art, knowledge, language, and distinct traditions. During amalgamation, for instance, we were honoured to have Knowledge Keeper and artist from Musqueam Nation, Sulksun, assist in the development of our branding.
In this video, Sulksun explains the historical significance behind the elements that make up our logo, including the addition of the twin sisters’ peaks of Vancouver’s North Shore mountains.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is also a time for reflection and understanding. Canada’s history includes painful chapters of colonization, residential schools, and systemic discrimination. Acknowledging these truths, and focusing on understanding a better way forward, is vital for building a more inclusive and respectful future.
This year, CCHPBC began exploring learning resources provided by H.E.A.L. Healthcare. The team of contributors at H.E.A.L. (Hearts-based Education and Anti-colonial Learning) develop curricula that brings artists, writers, activists, and people with lived experience together to create arts-based anti-oppression learning materials for healthcare educators, professionals, and practitioners.
Much of the curricula from H.E.A.L Healthcare is available online. You can access the free learning materials by visiting the resources below:
- H.E.A.L Healthcare Introductory Video
- H.E.A.L Healthcare Online Curricula
- H.E.A.L Healthcare Online Curricula – Anti-Indigenous Racism
National Indigenous Peoples Day is an important reminder of the collective journey we are on. Together through celebration and education, we can continue to progress on our journeys toward Reconciliation. Today, we encourage everyone to join us as we explore and honour the vibrant cultures and diverse histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
