June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, where we celebrate and honour the contributions and cultures of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. This month provides us with an opportunity to learn about Indigenous traditions, languages, arts and experiences to work towards transformative change.

At ACFO-ACAF, we celebrate this month by seeking out educational resources to learn more about the rich diversity of Indigenous peoples and how their contributions have shaped our culture. We:

• Recognize the long-standing, sacred relationship between Indigenous peoples and their land ;
• Stand in solidarity with all Indigenous peoples and acknowledge that our office located in Ottawa is on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation;
• Honour the courageous leaders of Indigenous communities; and
• Acknowledge the significant work that lies ahead on the path to justice, truth and reconciliation.

We encourage our members to support Indigenous-led businesses and organizations, as well as consult the resources below, that provide insight into Indigenous voices : 

• Assembly of First Nations
• Indigenous Voice Magazine
• Métis Nation
• Native Women’s Association of Canada
• Inuit Women of Canada
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action

Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, was established in response to the 80^th call of action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. As stated in the calls to action report, this day  is to, “honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

This day applies to all ACFO-ACAF members as “one additional day when proclaimed by an act of Parliament as a national holiday” and is reflected in each classification’s collective agreement:

• CT-EAV (AU collective agreement): Article 12.01(I)
• CT-FIN (FI collective agreement): Article 22.01(I)
• CT-IAU (AS collective agreement): Article 30.02(I)
• NAV Canada collective agreement: Article 25.01(I)

As we celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Days, we must strive to be agents of change and amplify Indigenous voices in our community.