National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Indigenous History Month

On June 21^st, we in Ottawa and across Canada will celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. This is a day to recognize and celebrate the unique and diverse cultures of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across the country. June 21^st was chosen for this commemoration as it also marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the first day of summer, which is significant to many Indigenous communities.

The month of June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada and is an ideal time to enjoy the many rivers, lakes and greenspaces which contribute to our overall health and wellbeing in Ottawa. This year, a redeveloped site called Kìwekì Point restores access to one of the most spectacular lookouts in the National Capital Region panoramic views of Parliament Hill and Ottawa-Gatineau. This site behind National Art Gallery (formerly called Nepean point) was created with input from the Algonquin Anishinabeg communities of Pikwàkanagàn and Kitigan Zibi and the interpretation panels were translated into Anishinabe Mowin recognizing the importance of Indigenous peoples in the land’s history.

Throughout Indigenous History month, it is important to acknowledge that this land where we live and work and play is built on the unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation, whose have cared for and nurtured the land for millennia. We also recognize the ongoing work that must be done to reduce health inequities which includes cultural insensitivity and systemic racism within health and social services. We must recognize the ongoing impacts of colonialism, the residential school system and forced assimilation of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

At Ottawa Public Health we honour all First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, their knowledge, languages, traditions and contributions to this land, past and present. Please join us in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Indigenous History Month.

Resources

• National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21^st, 2025, Government of Canada
• National Indigenous History Month, June, Government of Canada

Trevor Arnason, MSc., MD, CCFP, FRCPC
Interim Medical Officer of Health
Ottawa Public Health

Emma Sangster
MPH candidate
uOttawa