- Espace pour la vie
June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a unique moment to highlight the cultural diversity and the exceptional contribution of First Nations, Inuit and Métis to the richness of our heritage. For several years now, the First Nations Garden has been celebrating this occasion. However, due to the pandemic, it is strongly advised to virtually highlight this day for security reasons.
Indigenous peoples view the changing seasons and the summer solstice as a high-energy time to celebrate life. For thousands of years, rituals and ceremonies have been held to thank Mother Earth for her generous harvests while paying homage to the ancestors.
The Government of Canada chose June 21st, in recognition of these peoples and their celebrations for millennia. Bringing non-Indigenous closer to Indigenous peoples : that is the purpose of this day.
This day was officially proclaimed in 1996. The recognized Indigenous peoples are the First Nations, often named Indians, Inuit and Métis.