RECOGNIZE, LEARN AND CELEBRATE

June 21, National Indigenous Day, is a day to recognize, learn about and celebrate. A time to pause, participate and posture. June is also National Indigenous History month.

To pause means to stop, to be silent, to take a breath. To participate is to observe, to join and be a part of. Posture is an attitude, a position and a stance. Unlike any other month, June is an exchange and a change. It is an interconnection of time and space. It is climbing the mountain and experiencing the plateau. It is knowing, we are guests, as Mother Earth gives, moves and the sun surrenders her shine.

June is Ohiraiha, a time of wild strawberries beginning to ripen. June is a time to celebrate, an opportunity to bless and be blessed.

I celebrate my grandmother, Sarah Jonathan, in June. A wise healer who planted a seed in me. A seed of gratitude, compassion and strength. I miss you and I celebrate your life.

There are many ways to celebrate June 21. Communities across Canada pause, participate and posture. How will you celebrate? Here are some ideas:

• Learn about "Canada Celebrates" at rcaanc-cir-nac.gc.ca/eng/

• Find Indigenous content streaming on CBC.

• Attend a pow wow.

• Join a virtual event.

• Watch a film on the National Film Board of Canada site.

• Research a famous Indigenous Canadian and learn about their contributions to Canada.

• Read an Indigenous authored book.

• Donate your time or financial support to an Indigenous led organization.

• Become an Indigenous ally. Read how: nac-tatr.com/news/files/in-digenousally.pdf

• Learn about treaties and the traditional territories you live on.

• Find ways to demonstrate gratitude to the land.