Honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day: Reflecting on Healing, Culture, and Connection
June 21st marks National Indigenous Peoples Day — a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures, contributions, and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. As an occupational therapy company dedicated to supporting holistic well-being, OT Works! believes this day is also an opportunity to reflect on the intersections of health, healing, and cultural understanding.
A Time for Learning and Listening
For many Indigenous communities, health is not only physical, but deeply connected to spiritual, emotional, and cultural well-being. Traditional practices, community bonds, connection to the land, and intergenerational knowledge are all vital parts of healing. As occupational therapists, recognizing these cultural frameworks is essential in providing respectful, client-centred care.
At its heart, occupational therapy is about enabling individuals to engage in the meaningful activities of daily life. For many Indigenous clients, those activities are intertwined with cultural practices. Storytelling, music, hunting, beadwork, traditional ceremonies, and land-based activities are not only occupations but sources of resilience and strength.
Reflecting on Our Role in Reconciliation
National Indigenous Peoples Day also serves as a reminder of the ongoing impacts of colonization and systemic inequities in health care. Occupational therapists—and all health professionals—have a responsibility to engage in reconciliation by:
- Acknowledging history: including the legacy of residential schools, forced relocations, and cultural suppression.
- Challenging biases: through continued education and open dialogue.
- Supporting culturally safe care: by working in partnership with Indigenous clients and communities.
We are committed to learning from Indigenous voices and incorporating Indigenous knowledge into our understanding of wellness. We recognize that this work is ongoing—and we are dedicated to walking that path with humility and care.
Ways to Honour the Day
Whether you are an OT, a client, or someone seeking to grow in understanding, here are some meaningful ways to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day:
- Attend a local Indigenous event or celebration.
- Learn about the land you live and work on—whose traditional territory it is, and what treaties apply.
- Support Indigenous-owned businesses, artists, and authors.
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, especially those related to health care.
- Reflect on how your work and daily life can support equity and respect for Indigenous rights and traditions.