We celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada because of all the contributions they made to Canada. The rich and diverse cultures of the Indigenous peoples are very important to us as Canadians. There are many different types of Indigenous nations, and it should be our duty as Canadians to learn more about them. This is why National Indigenous Peoples Day is a great opportunity to learn about and celebrate this amazing and unique community.
1. Learn an Indigenous language.
We know how difficult it is to learn a new language. Nobody expects you to learn it overnight, but learning specific Indigenous greetings or phrases means more than you think to the community.
2. Know and understand whose land you’re on.
If you’re non-Indigenous, the land you live on is colonized. By learning whose land you are on, you are respecting that community.
The awareness you bring to the Indigenous land is very important in showing support to these communities.
3. Be an ally of Indigenous people.
Learning how to be an ally to the Indigenous people is very important if you want to be an ally. To learn how to be an ally, there is an outline created by an Anishinaabe-kwe scholar that you should consider reading and downloading here.
4. Support Indigenous businesses and services.
Supporting Indigenous businesses is always important, but if you’re searching for a way to show your support for Indigenous Day, this is a great way to do so.
Here is an Indigenous-owned business directory to help get you started.
5. Consume Indigenous media.
Whether it’s a podcast, film, documentary or music, watching or listening to Indigenous media is another simple (and often free) way you can support the community. Find more Indigenous media here.
6. Do your part.
It doesn’t take much. Anything outlined above is a great way to start celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day and supporting the community. If everyone did just one thing, it would have such a positive impact on our Indigenous communities.
If you want to get involved with your local Indigenous community, you can also consider:
- Volunteering
- Taking a course
- Donating
- Listening
- Attending an event when it’s safe to do so