Recognizing National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21

June is National Indigenous History Month

In June, Canadians commemorate National Indigenous History Month. During this month, take time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada.

National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21, 2022

On June 21, 2022, Canadians will celebrate the 26^th annual National Indigenous Peoples Day, honouring the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

Acknowledgement: Nova Scotia Exists in Mi’kmaw Territory

CANS acknowledges that our organization and membership operate in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship. We are all treaty people.

Who are Canada’s Indigenous Peoples?

The Canadian Constitution recognizes three groups, First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples as Aboriginal peoples — also known as Indigenous peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

To help all Canadians understand these three groups a little better, the Government of Canada has created an index of resources about each group. To explore the history, languages, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples across Canada, please visit: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1621447127773/1621447157184 

Aboriginal People in Nova Scotia

“The Mi’kmaq are the founding people of Nova Scotia and remain the predominant Aboriginal group within the province. When the Mi’kmaq first encountered Europeans in the 16th and 17th centuries, their territory stretched from the southern portions of the Gaspé Peninsula eastward to most of modern-day New Brunswick, and all of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

“This area was divided into seven smaller territories across what was known as Mi’kma’ki. Today, the Mi’kmaq live throughout the province. Nova Scotia has 13 Mi’kmaq First Nations with community populations ranging from 283 in the Annapolis Valley First Nation to 4,314 in the Eskasoni First Nation.” Click here to learn more via the Office of L’nu Affairs.

Terminology and Traditional Place Names

• Mi’kma’ki – the land or territory of the Mi’kmaq. It includes the Atlantic Provinces, some of Maine, and the Gaspé region of Quebec. 
• L’nu (“The People”) – also L’nuk, is the term the Mi’kmaq use to describe themselves as Indigenous people.
• K’jipuktuk (“Great Harbour”) – commonly known as Halifax
• Unama’ki (“Land of the Fog”) – commonly known as Cape Breton Island

To learn more about Mi’kmaw place names, please visit: Ta’n Weji-sqalia’tiek: Mi’kmaw Place Names Digital Atlas

Map of First Nations in Nova Scotia

Credit: the Office of L’nu Affairs