In 1996, Romeo LeBlanc, the Governor General of Canada, proclaimed June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day. Each year, this day marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and is an occasion for Canadians to come together, reflect on and celebrate the diverse heritage, traditions and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

At St. Clair Catholic, throughout the month of June, students are learning about First Nations traditions in cooking and gardening and participating in games such as archery.  We are also learning about the significance of the summer solstice and the strawberry moon in Indigenous culture. 

On June 20, 190 St. Clair Catholic students joined the celebrations to watch the Bkejwanong Anishinaabe Giizhgad Maawnidig parade.  On June 21 in Chatham-Kent, St. Clair Catholic will participate in the Maawnjidimi Indigenous Network National Indigenous People’s Day celebrations, which are being held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 25 Eighth Street, Chatham.

For more information about Indigenous Peoples Day and National Indigenous History month, visit the Board website.