Celebrating Indigenous History

Jun 05, 2025

June is National Indigenous History Month - a time to honour and celebrate the history, cultures, resilience, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.

This month invites all of us to reflect on the diverse traditions and knowledge systems that have shaped this land for thousands of years. It is also a time to recognize the deep and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous communities and commit to meaningful reconciliation grounded in action, respect, and human rights.

Indigenous peoples have contributed to every facet of life in Canada - advancing environmental stewardship, justice, language preservation, arts, governance, and community leadership. Their insights and innovations continue to enrich Canadian society and offer vital teachings on sustainability, interconnectedness, and community wellbeing.

However, these contributions have too often gone unrecognized amid a long history of colonialism, discrimination, and cultural erasure. The impacts of residential schools, forced displacement, systemic racism, and ongoing socio-economic inequality remain profound. Upholding the human rights of Indigenous peoples is not only a legal and moral obligation - it is essential to building a just and inclusive society for all.

National Indigenous History Month is a reminder that the full realization of human rights in Canada must include the rights of Indigenous peoples to self-determination, cultural preservation, and equitable access to education, healthcare, housing, and justice. This includes honouring commitments such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and advancing the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Let this month be more than symbolic - let it fuel our resolve to listen, learn, and act in solidarity. When we protect the rights and dignity of Indigenous Peoples, we move closer to a future where everyone in Canada can live with equity, safety, and pride in their identity.

Cynthia Dorrington is the Chair of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. She is the first African Nova Scotian female to be appointed to this role since the Commission’s inception.

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