Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day

A day to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples

The federal government says "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."

Organizations and groups around Niagara will mark the day in many ways.

Fort Erie's Native Friendship Centre is hosting a day of special events.

The day opens at 9:15 with a traditional opening, followed by speakers, music, a special dance presentation at 2:00 and a Longhouse Social at 7 pm.

And for lunch the centre will also be holding a best dressed car contest.

They ask participants "to make sure it's Indigenized and have fun with it!!"

Niagara College's Indigenous student success leaders Ashley Buck and Emily Schutt are hoping to engage the College community through a social media campaign, which highlights five virtual ways to celebrate the day. 

Their five recommendations include:

Research Indigenous organizations in your local region and support their event;
Educate yourself on the people/nation of the territory you reside on and their rich history
Commit to reviewing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action;
Follow Indigenous content creators on social media; and
Watch an Indigenous film by an Indigenous director or listen to an Indigenous lead podcast.

Officials with the Niagara Health System noting "It is also a day to recognize the need to continue working together with our Indigenous partners to build healthy communities."

As part of the day, Niagara Health is also sharing the Indigenous Land Acknowledgment.

“We acknowledge the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishnabeg peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples and acknowledging reminds us that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous peoples.”