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.
Learn More and Get Inspired
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21
Every June 21, Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day, a special day to honor the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
Why June 21?
The date coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many Indigenous groups have marked this day with celebrations of their culture and heritage.
How to Get Involved
Across Canada, vibrant events and activities take place on June 21 to highlight the rich cultural expressions and stories of Indigenous peoples. To find a local event, visit the Government of Canada’s website.
How We Celebrate at OT Works!
At OT Works!, we are dedicated to learning about and honoring Indigenous cultures and contributions. Here’s how we celebrate:
- Cultural Education: We adopt and study the Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-Racism standard of practice, as recommended by the College of Occupational Therapists of BC (COTBC).
- Community Engagement: We encourage our team to attend local Indigenous events.
- Monthly Updates: We present new information monthly about Indigenous cultures, issues, and ways to support their communities.
- Featured Presentation: We showcase Len Pierre’s presentation on Allyship from the WorkSafeBC conference.
Learn More and Get Inspired
Join us in celebrating and learning about the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples in Canada!
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated annually in Canada on the summer solstice, June 21st, to honor and recognize the culture, heritage, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
Celebrate the day respectfully
- Attend an Indigenous event or gathering
Many Indigenous communities across Canada organize events and gatherings on June 21. Attend one of these events to experience the vibrant culture of Indigenous peoples.
- Learn about Indigenous History
Take some time to educate yourself about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Visit a local museum, read books written by Indigenous authors, or watch documentaries about Indigenous history.
- Support Indigenous Businesses
Support Indigenous businesses by shopping at Indigenous-owned stores or purchasing Indigenous-made products.
- Volunteer
Volunteer your time to support Indigenous organizations or communities. This could involve helping with community events, fundraising, or offering your skills in a specific area.
- Take part in Social Media Campaigns
Join social media campaigns that celebrate Indigenous culture and history and raise awareness of the challenges that Indigenous peoples face today.
Remember that celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day is just one small part of a larger effort to recognize and support Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is important to continue learning about Indigenous history and culture and to work towards reconciliation and decolonization.
What we are doing at OT Works!
At OT Works! we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day by learning their history and understanding how we move forward to support Indigenous communities.
We have adopted the Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-Racism standard of practice, as recommended by the College of Occupational Therapists of BC (COTBC).
Our team is also collectively studying and learning more about the negative impact of colonization and racism in health care. Specifically, every team member has read the In Plain Sight report and has watched webinars from the Indigenous Cultural Safety Collaborative Learning Series. OT Works! has facilitated a group discussion about our learnings and how our team can further support Indigenous Peoples in the care we provide.
Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day and Indigenous communities:
- National Indigenous Peoples Day, by the Government of Canada
- First Peoples’ Map of BC
- Indigenous Cinema by NFB
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day
What is National Indigenous Peoples Day?
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day to recognizes and celebrates the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.
It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Celebrate by learning and respecting Indigenous Peoples
At OT Works! we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day by learning their history and understanding how we move forward to support Indigenous communities.
Here’s what we are currently reading and researching:
- Native Land website: to identify and acknowledge the Native land we live, work and play on.
- Montreal Urban Aboriginal Community Strategy Network’s Indigenous Ally Toolkit
- Indigenous Peoples: A Guide to Terminology – Usage Tips & Definitions
- 23 Tips on what not to say or do when working effectively with Indigenous Peoples
- Indigenous Corporate Training Blog
At OT Works!, we strive to help others and in doing so make the world a better place. We support advances in education and culture, value diversity and inclusion, and advocate sustainable use of natural resources. We recognize that respecting Indigenous rights is an extension of our beliefs and practices.