On Monday, June 21, 2021, St. Clair Catholic will recognize and honour National Indigenous Peoples Day with learning, events and celebrations across the system. 

“In the wake of the devastating news about the discovery of the remains of 215 children at the Kamloops Residential School, and in recognition of the seven generations of Indigenous Peoples who survived the residential school system, our learning and events will honour lives stolen and generations impacted,” says Deb Crawford, Director of Education.

St. Clair Catholic will begin National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21^st with prayer and remembering, to honour the resilience of Indigenous Peoples and celebrate the thousands of years of Indigenous wisdom and tradition, while also committing to ongoing reflection, learning, and action, year-round.

The St. Clair Catholic community is invited to tune in to live events at the following links:

• June 21 – Summer Solstice: A Time of Gathering and Honouring
• June 22 – PIQSIQ
• June 23 – Métis Kitchen Party
• June 24 – Hand Drum Social 

Highlights will include:

• Prayer with Elder Eric Isaac, Bkejwanong Territory
• Honouring and Remembering – Cecil Isaac Jr., Bkejwanong Territory
• Resilience – Biindigaygizhig (Dan Deleary), Chippewa of the Thames First Nation
• St. Clair Catholic Youth Student Leadership Voice
• Hand Drum Social – White Lightning Clark and Matt Isaac
• Connecting through Art – Moses Lunham, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation

St. Clair Catholic will continue all throughout the week to bring together Indigenous artists, performers, educators, students and community partners to share knowledge and celebrate diversity.

• On June 22, we will learn about the history of Inuit throat singing and learn about the stories behind the songs with       Inuit-style throat singing duo, PIQSIQ: Tiffany Kuliktana Ayalik and Kayley Inuksuk Mackay.
• On June 23, St. Clair Catholic will host a Métis Kitchen Party, where we will jig, play the spoons, and listen to the fiddle, guitar, and hear stories with Brianna Lizzote, and Dean Bernier.
• On June 24, we will enjoy time together in a hand drum social with White Lightning Clark, Aamjiwnaang First Nation as the MC and guest singers and drummers including Matthew Isaac, Bkejwanong Territory.

“Through these and other learning opportunities, St. Clair Catholic will continue to bring communities together in understanding, wellness and support for students, staff and families,” says Mrs. Crawford.

National Indigenous Peoples Day events and celebrations are a continuation of learning throughout National Indigenous History Month, which began on June 1^st.