National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrates the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. This year marks the 25th annual celebration of this day. Did you know June 21 was chosen for National Indigenous Peoples Day because it is the summer solstice?
Here are a few ways you can learn about, recognize and celebrate this significant milestone with downtown businesses, organizations, museums & galleries:
Visit the downtown Indigenous Garden
On June 15, the downtown Indigenous Garden took root at Air Canada Park. The seventh annual event started with a blessing of the plants by Elder David Budd before the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ team started gardening. Signs at the site give visitors the chance to learn more about the plants and their importance to Indigenous life and culture. The planting event was sponsored by APTN.
Watch Indigenous movies, shows and documentaries on APTN & APTN Lumi
APTN is Canada’s first Indigenous television broadcaster that offers programming by, for and about First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, as well as content from around the world that reflects Indigenous pride and heritage. APTN Movies showcase Indigenous cultures from all over the world, not just those closest to home. If you missed the original APTN Indigenous Day Live broadcast, you can stream it any time on APTN Lumi.
Read & view Indigenous stories through the WPL guide
The Winnipeg Public Library (WPL) has an immense catalogue of Indigenous stories. They also have a frequently updated guide that makes searching easy! Browse popular book titles, watch videos on a variety of topics or learn about Indigenous Services at the Millennium Library downtown.
Tune in to a very special premiere event with the WAG
Join the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) on June 21 at 6 p.m. for a free sneak peek of Naadohbii: To Draw Water (presented by BMO Financial Group), the premiere of The Lake Winnipeg Project, and a panel discussion featuring community representatives and Kevin Settee, Director of The Lake Winnipeg Project. If you can’t make it to the premier event, the film will be available to stream starting June 21.
Stream much-loved films from the list curated by CMHR
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) curated a list of much‐admired films by Indigenous artists from the National Film Board (NFB) collection. This selection honours the contributions of Indigenous filmmakers in Canada, whose diverse perspectives put the spotlight on themes and topics that matter, through a human rights lens. Stream the films free all month!
Support local charities that empower Indigenous people
Showing financial support is a meaningful way to celebrate and honour Indigenous people in your community. Located in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba Moon Voices Inc. (301-286 Smith Street) represents the interests of Indigenous women and gender diverse people of Manitoba. Their work reaches the local, provincial, national and international levels. Consider making a financial contribution to Manitoba Moon Voices Inc. or another Indigenous-focused organization, if you are able.