The following message was sent to All Staff and All Students today on behalf of RRC Polytech President and CEO, Fred Meier.

June is National Indigenous History Month and today, June 21, is the summer solstice: the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. June 21 was proclaimed National Indigenous Peoples Day in 1996 after continuous support from the National Indian Brotherhood (Assembly of First Nations), the Sacred Assembly and Elijah Harper, and the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

Indigenous communities around Turtle Island gather every year to celebrate the summer solstice with ceremony and celebration and to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day. Many organizations and communities host events proudly showcasing the many vibrant Indigenous cultures from dawn until dusk.

This year, RRC Polytech kicked off Indigenous History Month with the raising of the Red River Métis Flag, the Treaty One Flag, and RRC Polytech’s original Pride Flag. In years past, we’ve hosted our own event to recognize the summer solstice and Indigenous Peoples Day, but this year the School of Indigenous Education has a new venture—the Indigenous Student Support Team has organized a bus tour with Elder-in-Residence Paul Guimond around Winnipeg and surrounding areas to experience a variety of events to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Though it’s felt like summer for a few weeks already, I encourage you to ring in the new season by visiting any number of events hosted by Indigenous folks around the city and beyond. Many events can be found on the Government of Canada’s website with the search term ‘Manitoba.’ The Forks is hosting the Wa-Say Healing Centre Pow Wow followed by musical performances; the Manitoba Métis Federation is hosting a celebration at Selkirk’s Memorial Hall; WAG-Qaumajuq is hosting an art education event and evening concerts on Memorial Boulevard; and in Brandon there will be a celebration at the Riverbank Discovery Centre.

Thank you, and please enjoy a beautiful National Indigenous Peoples Day!