November marks Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month, a time for Canadians to learn more about the importance of Indigenous heritage and history. During this month we commemorate Indigenous Leaders and heritage from the past and increase awareness of Indigenous voices today through events, education and discussions.
This month contains many dates of significance, including:

• Treaties Recognition Week – November 2 to 6:
  • This week honours the importance of treaties, treaty rights, treaty obligations and the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. By understanding and recognizing treaties, we help to build a future centered on a mutual commitment towards reconciliation, respect and equity. 
• National Aboriginal Veterans Day – November 8:
  • National Aboriginal Veterans Day honours the approximately 12,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples who served in the World Wars, the Korean War and later conflicts. National Aboriginal Veterans Day also recognizes Indigenous Peoples military contributions within Canada and acknowledges that veteran rights and benefits were unevenly distributed to Indigenous survivors.
• Louis Riel Day – November 16:
  • Louis Riel Day honours Louis Riel’s success in negotiating Manitoba into Confederation and the protection of minority language rights. This laid the foundation for a vision of Canada that both included the Métis Nation and protected Métis rights.

This year, Canadians will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month a little differently. Due to COVID-19, many celebrations will be experienced at home and virtually to keep families and communities safe.
Here are some ways to celebrate and honour the heritage and history of Indigenous Peoples this November:

• Participate in a virtual event exploring treaties in Ontario, “We are all Treaty People” hosted by the Provincial Government’s Living Library Program on November 6.
• Join the virtual Louis Riel Day celebration with the Law Society of Ontario and watch videos created by the Manitoba Metis Federation honouring Louis Riel.
• Review resources such as the Archives of Ontario James Bay Treaty virtual exhibit and videos of Indigenous speakers sharing their knowledge about the importance of treaties, treaty relationships and rights in Ontario. You can also learn more about Ontario treaties and reserves.
• Read the stories of Indigenous Veterans like Francis Pegahmagabow, Tommy Prince, Noel Knockwood and Edith (Anderson) Monture.

I also encourage all residents to seek opportunities for Indigenous education, discussions about diversity and culture and have meaningful and respectful conversations with Indigenous Peoples.
By celebrating Canada’s rich Indigenous history, we honour all Indigenous Peoples and their many contributions that help make Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.