CMHA Ottawa honours National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 19, 2024

Join us on June 21 to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. It’s an opportunity to honour the rich cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. This day marks an opportunity to appreciate diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples.

To celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, at CMHA Ottawa we are encouraging staff and clients to attend the 2024 Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF), which takes place Friday, June 21 through Sunday, June 23 at Mādahòkì Farm, 4420 West Hunt Club Road, in Ottawa.

What can attendees expect? Let’s go straight to the source: Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival:

Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is a multi-disciplinary arts festival that brings together Indigenous artists, performers, educators, students, and community members to share knowledge and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous cultures in Canada. Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF) takes place during National Indigenous History Month and coincides with National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD)  

June 21, 2023 marks the national anniversary of celebrating the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples! Also known as Summer Solstice, June 21st is the longest day of the year and throughout history and across continents a time for Indigenous cultural celebration. 

Summer Solstice Festivals are produced by Indigenous Experiences on behalf of the National Indigenous Peoples Day Committee (NIPD) comprising national organizations representing Indigenous communities in Canada.  For more than twenty years, NIPD/ Summer Solstice events in the National Capital Region have created opportunities for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the culture and contributions of  Inuit, First Nations and Métis peoples. 

Learn more about the festival: Visit the SSIF website: Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, and find transportation options here: Festival Info – Summer Solstice Festivals.

The mural above is proudly displayed in the second-floor client space at the CMHA Ottawa offices in Vanier. It was created collaboratively on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe by members of the branch’s Indigenous committee, peers and clients, as led by muralist Nicole Bélanger.

According to committee members Michele, Michelle, Tyrone, Joanne and Helen, the mural represents dialogue and a glimpse into the huge Indigenous diversity across Canada and the power of sacred medicine, ceremonies, and culture. First Nations, Métis and Inuit are each unique, but all have an unwavering commitment to family and the land. This breathtaking piece represents First Peoples and their descendants in Canada. It highlights the reciprocal relationships between humans and the land.

Mother Earth stands proudly in the centre as she watches over all creations, comforts her descendants, and honours her ancestors. The eagle feathers surround her to remind her of the deep belief of respect, honour, strength, courage, and wisdom.

The group who gathered to support the creation of this piece of art felt a strong spiritual bond as they listened to stories and explored teachings from the undiminished spirit of Indigenous Peoples. Today, we are proud to share it with you.

The mural is part of a series that was inspired by the creativity of CMHA Ottawa clients and staff, and executed by local artists to reflect the community we serve by bringing people together physically and culturally – and forming connections that transcend differences.

There are a number of ways you can celebrate the culture and contributions of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Consider getting involved in local events, sharing images and using the hashtag #NIPD2024. For more information and resources, visit: Explore learning resources about First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada, and download and share the National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day images to show your support.

CMHA Ottawa encourages the community to take time today to learn about and honour Indigenous cultures, both locally and nationally.

CMHA Ottawa is located on the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. We recognize the Anishinaabe people as the customary keepers and defenders of the land now known as Ottawa. We are grateful to live and work on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation.