This Saturday is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate the strength of Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island. Since its official recognition in 1996, June 21 has served not only as a celebration of our heritage but also as a powerful reminder of the contributions, stories, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
For all Indigenous Nations, this is a day to honour our ancestors, traditions, and relationship with each other and the land. It is a time for reflection, celebration, and connection, and a reminder that our cultures are not relics of the past but living traditions that we carry proudly into the future.
This year, as we mark this special day, we do so with heavy hearts knowing that many of our friends and relations are impacted by ongoing wildfires affecting communities across the province and beyond. We are thinking especially of those who have had to evacuate or are working tirelessly in emergency response.
As our staff and council members in the central region are working to support each other and their community, we keep them in our thoughts and prayers. Central Vice Chief Colleen has been on the ground since the emergency alert was issued, staying connected with emergency services in Badger and ensuring our members receive timely updates. Shianne, our Exploits Ward Councillor, is also available and ready to assist the membership. Both are available to members 24 hours a day as we continue navigating this emergency together.
Let us continue to show up for one another with compassion and courage, our strength as a Nation lies in how we support each other on the ground and in spirit.
Relevant Links:
QFN Housing Supports: https://qalipu.ca/housing/
QFN Mental Wellness Supports: https://qalipu.ca/health/non-insured-health-benefits/
Government of NL, Wildfire Information: https://www.gov.nl.ca/alerts/
Canadian Red Cross: https://www.redcross.ca/
Government of Canada, National Indigenous Peoples Day: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1708446948967