It means celebrating what Indigenous Peoples’ are doing today, in addition to reflecting on the past. As someone from the West Coast who has knowledge of Coast Salish and Haida people, I also like to learn more about Metis, Inuit and First Nations from across the country for whom I have less knowledge about to remind myself that they are not a homogenous group of people but individual and distinct peoples with their own traditions, stories and histories.

I feel as though Indigenous cultures are so beautiful and special, but this is the day to really shine a light on that fact. For me, the beauty is the deep connection that Indigenous people have with the land, and their perspectives are always in relation to this connection. I think all people would benefit from taking this approach. This day is an opportunity to learn better, Indigenous ways of doing things that can keep us grounded, and also connected with one another. Community, mother nature, humbleness are some terms that are coming to mind.

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day – means connecting deeply with gratitude to the beautiful land that I live on. I like to start my day with a long walk in the forest, and enjoy the many trees and creeks. I try and sit quietly (with my dog) and picture the lands as they once were many years ago. I like to spend time reading and learning more about the Indigenous Peoples’ whose land that I live on and will take some time and have conversations with my kids about the importance of this day. We sometimes will go to the local festivals that happen at the beach to celebrate.

For me, National Indigenous Peoples’ Day (and every day) is a day to reflect on the amazing Indigenous people I have met during my time with the network. The relationships built, the mentoring, the learning, the life lessons learned and some dear friendships formed. I am very grateful.

An opportunity to connect to place. Where I stand, who stood before me, both my ancestors and others’. A celebration of Indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their JOY.