National Indigenous Peoples Day: A time to learn and celebrate
As the official start of summer, June 21 holds deep cultural significance for Indigenous people and has been celebrated by generations across our communities.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is proud to support the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people who have lived on these lands since time immemorial through its community-based funding. Today, OTF is pleased to acknowledge National Indigenous Peoples Day to recognize and celebrate the cultures and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people.
A testament to their resilience, Indigenous communities gather on June 21 and share their traditions through dance, music, art, food, storytelling and ceremony, which were once at risk of being lost through colonization.
OTF is committed to supporting the essential work delivered by and for Indigenous communities through its Grant Investment Framework. Projects funded support a range of activities that directly impact First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, such as reclaiming of language and traditional arts and trades, creating culturally relevant supports, offering skills training, supporting conservation efforts and much more. Since April 1, 2015, OTF has invested over $43 million in initiatives benefitting Indigenous communities across the province.
Non-indigenous people can take this opportunity to discover the rich diversity of history, traditions, culture and cuisine of Indigenous people by attending a pow-wow in their community, reading a book by an Indigenous author and supporting Indigenous artists and businesses.
Discover the history, traditions, culture and cuisine of Indigenous people:
- Attend a Pow-Wow in your community
- Check out an Indigenous event in your area
- Book an Indigenous Tourism Experience (in English only).
- Read works by Indigenous authors in English or in French
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