In alignment with the summer solstice, a time of light, growth, and reflection, on June 21 the Rise team celebrates the diversity, strength, and brilliance of Indigenous Peoples inside the organization and across Turtle Island. National Indigenous Peoples Day is a moment to uplift and honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial.
During June, National Indigenous History Month, we are all invited, whether settlers, newcomers, or Indigenous Peoples ourselves, to reflect on the responsibilities we hold in building relationships rooted in reciprocity, accountability, and respect. Indigenous Peoples are diverse, holding distinct languages, knowledge systems, governance structures, and innovations that continue to shape our shared future. Indigenous stories and teachings deserve acknowledgment, preservation and celebration.
Reconciliation is an ongoing process and asks us to move beyond performative gestures and toward meaningful action. Below, we’ve gathered a variety of ideas to participate in – watch, listen, read, celebrate, support Indigenous entrepreneurs and as you do – reflect. However you choose to engage, we encourage you to do so with curiosity, care and a commitment to long-term learning.
Watch and Listen
- 2 Crees in a Pod Podcast
- The Auntie is In Podcast
- V6Activities (@v6activities744) YouTube Channel
- Sugarcane (2024 documentary)
Community Book Club Ideas
Organize a reading group with friends or colleagues and read one of our recent faves, at Rise:
- Who We Are – The Honourable Murray Sinclair
- The Service Berry – Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Our Voice of Fire – Brandi Morin
- Unbroken – Angela Sterritt
- The Power of Story – Harold R. Johnson
- Five Little Indians – Michelle Good
- Truth Telling: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada – Michelle Good
- Indigenous Writes – Chelsea Vowel
- The Rise of Indigenous Economic Power – Deconstructing Indian Act Economics – Carol Anne Hilton
- Elements of Indigenous Style (Second Edition) – Gregory Younging and Warren Cariou
Celebrate
Attend a local or virtual National Indigenous Peoples Day event, workshop or exhibition such as:
- Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day annual Sunrise Ceremony in Toronto on June 21, 2025
- Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day @ TWOSE with IAM COLLECTIVE in Edmonton on June 21, 2025
- Celebrate Indigi-queerness at HOTLATCH in Vancouver on June 21, 2025
- Watch Jeremy Dutcher live in Toronto on June 21, 2025
- Pow Wow is for everyone! Check out Your Guide to Powwow Country
- Visit and tend to the land. Spend time connecting to the land that sustains you, acknowledging the Indigenous stewards of this land that have been here for time immemorial
- Check your local library for events with the Indigenous Storytellers
- Play the games and activities in the Celebrating Indigenous Peoples in Canada: Learning and Activity Guide with the youth in your life
- Explore Indigenous-owned restaurants, food trucks, stores and small businesses in your area
- Raise awareness about National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day as you participate using the hashtags: #NationalIndigenousHistoryMonth #NationalIndigenousPeoplesDay #NIPD
Support Indigenous Entrepreneurs
- Purchase from Indigenous businesses, artists and creators. Check out Things We Like on the Rise website.
Reflect
Included in his recently released book, Who We Are, the late Honourable Murray Sinclair inspires us as we consider the following four questions. As you participate in activities this month, learn about and celebrate Indigenous Peoples, consider the following questions as you reflect on your role and responsibility in advancing Truth and Reconciliation:
- Where do I come from?
- Where am I going?
- Why am I here?
- Who am I?
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