Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - As Canada observes National Indigenous Peoples Day on Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it offers a chance to further work toward healing historical injustices.

“June 21 of every year is the day with the most light (the summer solstice),” Trudeau said in a statement. “And today, on the day with the most light, we look ahead to a bright future – for Indigenous Peoples and for all Canadians.”

Canada does not try to gloss over its chequered history with its three Indigenous cultures -- First Nations, Inuit and Metis. The infamous Indian Residential School system, which saw 150,000 Indigenous children forced to attend more than 130 schools beginning in the 1830s, was a concerted attempt to stamp out native culture.

About 4,500 died from malnutrition and disease, and too often the children were physically and sexually abused.

Today, the search is on for unmarked graves where children were buried, sometimes without informing parents of their fates. The schools were set up by the federal government and run by various religious denominations.

“When the strongest institutions in the country tried to stamp out Indigenous cultures, languages, and ways of knowing, Indigenous communities persevered,” said Trudeau. “And now, as we work to heal the lasting wounds of the past and move forward together, Indigenous communities are still standing strong: Indigenous youth today are proud of their heritage, and they are reclaiming their cultures and their languages.”

But while the day recognizes injustices, it is not just a mourning of the past, but also a celebration of native culture and contributions to Canada. It sees traditional ceremonies held across all 10 provinces and three territories, with music, dancing and native cuisine. It honors Indigenous culture and offers a chance for Canadians to see and learn more about Indigenous peoples.

The celebrations have mushroomed since the first was held in 1990.

"It has grown so well," Mi’kmaw elder Marjorie Muise told CBC News at the annual sunrise ceremony Wednesday in St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. "People (are) really acknowledging our cultures and accepting and understanding, which is really what we're aiming to do -- for people to understand who we are and not be intimidated, just come and share and learn."