Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize and celebrate the rich history, distinct cultures, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Turtle Island (North America).
The Niagara Peninsula watershed is situated within the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and the Anishinaabeg, including the Mississaugas of the Credit—many of whom continue to live and work here today.
Through the NPCA’s 2021-2031 Strategic Plan, we reconfirm our commitment to shared stewardship of natural resources and deep appreciation of Indigenous culture and history in the watershed.
To achieve this goal, the NPCA will:
- Establish an Indigenous Engagement Working Group to foster positive relationship building in the spirit of reconciliation
- Support the cross-cultural exchange of knowledge related to land management and shared stewardship
- Acknowledge Indigenous heritage on future signage at NPCA properties
You can celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day today by attending a local community event. The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, Niagara Regional Native Centre, and Fort Erie Friendship Centre are all hosting festivities to mark the day.
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The Niagara Regional Native Centre (in partnership with the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and City of St. Catharines) is hosting an Indigenous Solidarity Day with opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. and activities leading up to a ‘Land Back Unity Jam’ from 4 p.m. to sunset. More details here.
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The Fort Erie Friendship Centre is hosting an Indigenous Day – Remember the Children event featuring craft vendors, drumming, lacrosse demonstration, activities for children, and more! Festivities begin at 10 am until 5 pm at the Fort Erie Friendship Centre.
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Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation is hosting festivities on their Social and Health Grounds from noon to 4 p.m. Among drumming, artisanal vendors, and music there will be a corn soup competition. Learn more: http://mncfn.ca/mcfn-indigenous-day-celebration/
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Six Nations of the Grand River will have a midway, food vendors, and artisans on the Gaylord Powless Arena grounds in Ohsweken. In the spirit of community, they ask people donate non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water. Contact Six Nations for more information.
- Join an online event! The Downie Wenjack Fund is hosting a Canada-wide event for Indigenous History Month on June 29 at 2 pm. Register here.
Expand your learning
1. Did you know that the Niagara Peninsula watershed is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg (Ojibway), Haudenosaunee, and Attiwonderonk (Neutral) peoples? In fact, the region derives its name from the Onguiaahra (Near the Big Waters, The Strait, or The Neck), a group of Indigenous people from the Neutral Nation that populated the southern Niagara Peninsula.
Expand your learning about Indigenous history by exploring the following local resources:
- Empathetic Traditions: Niagara's Indigenous Legacy
- Indigenous History: A Brief History (Niagara Falls Museum)
2. Did you know that the graphic above is meant to honour the diverse Indigenous cultures in Canada? The eagle represents First Nations peoples, the narwhal represents Inuit, and the violin/fiddle represents Métis citizens. In addition, other graphic elements such as the sun (summer solstice), the four elements of nature, and smoke are used to symbolize their significance to Indigenous culture.
Expand your learning about these distinct Indigenous groups in Canada: