June is National Indigenous History Month, a time for Canadians to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Through events, education and discussions throughout the month, residents will commemorate Indigenous Leaders and heritage from the past and increase awareness of Indigenous voices today. We recognize the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation as the treaty holders on which Halton resides, and all Indigenous Peoples living within the Region including First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

We also take this time to remember the 215 Indigenous children found in a mass grave at a Residential School in British Columbia last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with all Indigenous children, the survivors of the Residential School System, those who never returned home and their families. We have lowered the flags at all Regional facilities, and they will remain at half-mast for nine days, one hour for each child whose life was taken.

This year due to COVID-19, many celebrations will be experienced at home and virtually to keep families and communities safe. There are many ways to celebrate at home, and to support this, the Federal Government has added more resources to their website, including:
 

• the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Final Report and  94 Calls to Action;
• the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
• the The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children and its 231 individual Calls for Justice;
• a virtual event on June 30 at 2 p.m. organized by the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund in celebration of the diversity of Indigenous Peoples across Canada;
• various virtual Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival events throughout June, hosted by the National Association of Friendship Centres;
• the virtual exhibit at the Canadian Museum of History;
• the First Nations in Canada historical e-book; and
• a fun zone for youth and children with information about Indigenous history, culture and languages through activities and stories.

I also encourage you to use the hashtag #NationalIndigenousHistoryMonth on social media to share your celebration and to explore more resources and important stories online.

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21

On June 21, we also celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. To recognize this important day, Halton Region will raise the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation flag at the Halton Regional Centre. There are many resources on the Federal Government’s website for residents to explore to learn more about the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, such as reading a digital copy of one the books from the #IndigenousReads reading list or explore a virtual exhibit at your favourite museum. You can also use the hashtag #NIPDCanada on social media to share your at-home or virtual celebration.

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 recognizing southern Ontario’s rich Indigenous history, we honour all Indigenous Peoples and celebrate their many contributions to making Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.