What Does National Indigenous Peoples Day Really Mean?

June 21st marks National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD). Aligning with the summer solstice, it is a shared acknowledgement as a time of light, renewal, and ceremony for many. While intended for celebration, for so many Indigenous peoples, it is a day that amplifies feelings ranging from pride to fatigue and hope reigned in by skepticism.

Honestly, I run the gamut of all those feelings on the daily.

Please don’t mistake me. It is important to have a day where our Indigenous voices, stories, and brilliance are centred. It is important to have a day where we share our languages and our cultures and watch our youth take the stage while our Elders’ wisdom is heard. 

It is in the opportunity of witnessing that society is reminded that we are resilient. That society is reminded of everything we have protected and continue to practice despite the colonial systems meant to erase us.

So I’m left to wonder, during this call and answer, who is this day really for?

For many Indigenous people, it’s no wonder  June 21st feels like a performance of our cultures for the benefit of the uneducated. The speeches are made. Flags are raised. The crowd shows up in awe when we know that hours later, we return to fighting for basic equity in health care, education, media representation, land, and governance. Even worse, we return trying to explain and justify our very existence.

I know celebration is important and I cherish every moment to freely celebrate and share my Nation. I know the potential positive impact that comes from acknowledging Indigenous history and culture is important. 

But, let’s be clear, acknowledgement without action is not reconciliation. It’s exhausting.

The mere existence of National Indigenous Peoples Day does not mean reconciliation is a given. In fact, many of us wear the weight of performative gestures of the day while promises of equity and inclusion the other 364 days of the year are unfulfilled—363 if you throw in September 30th.

And yet, here we are. Here I am. Still showing up. Still sharing our stories. Still doing the work.

If you’ve come this far, you might be wondering how do we move forward in good relation with each other? How do we move  towards a future where Indigenous presence isn’t just acknowledged, but welcomed.

I suggest that you listen deeply. Consider Indigenous leadership and wisdom every day of the year. Ask yourself what roles you can take, large or small, in transforming systems so that more of us can thrive. Most importantly, show up in relationship and stay present after the light dims on another NIPD.

So yes, I am celebrating today and I’m holding space for you too. But, as my day also holds space for reflection, please don’t just show up.