June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. June 21 was chosen due to the significance of the Summer Solstice in many Indigenous communities.

There are many events happening online, especially on APTN (www.aptntv.ca/). We also want to share that The Healing of the Seven Generations & KW Multicultural Centre invite you to a Pow Wow on June 25 & 26, from 12 noon to 6pm both days on Roo Island in Victoria Park. You can learn more on their facebook page by clicking here.

Pope Saint John Paul II prayed the following prayer when he visited Fort Simpson in 1987:

We ask you to give your blessing this day to the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
Guide their elders and all their people, and give them your wisdom and strength.
Let them enjoy the gifts of nature and the fruits of their labours.
Bring them light in time of darkness, health in time of sickness, joy in time of sorrow.
Teach them to listen to your voice, to live in your ways, and to be brothers and sisters of all.
Great Spirit, our God, listen to our prayer, for you rule the universe forever and ever. Amen.