A message from Doreen Healy, the AER’s resident elder, about National Indigenous Peoples Day
Alberta - June 19, 2019
Doreen Healy, Seebyanck giaagii (“Woman Singing in the Night”), the resident elder at the Alberta Energy Regulator, shares a message about National Indigenous Peoples Day.
In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now known as the Assembly of First Nations) proposed a day to celebrate indigenous cultures in Canada. In 1996, Canada recognized June 21—the summer solstice and the longest day of the year—as National Aboriginal Day. In 2017, this day was renamed National Indigenous Peoples Day.
From sunup to sundown on this day, Canadians celebrate the diverse cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people of Canada.
Whether you identify as indigenous or not, and no matter where you are in Canada, you can observe and participate in this day. Whether through storytelling, presentations, feasts, drum circles, pow-wows, or traditional songs and games, learn how you can take part by visiting the Government of Canada’s site, or by searching for events in your area.
Aahsii eetsiidappii kiistiigoo! (Translated from Blackfoot: Have a good Indigenous Peoples Day!)
Natalie Brodych, Writer
Luke Spencer, Digital Media