Indigenous Peoples Day celebration to be held at Riverside Park, Guelph

GUELPH – June 21 is both National Indigenous Peoples Day and the summer solstice.

National Indigenous People’s Day was first recognized in 1990, and now, Indigenous people host celebratory events across Canada every year on June 1, inviting non-Indigenous people to join them to connect as community and learn about Indigenous culture, heritage, and achievements.

The month of June is Indigenous History Month.

Some people recognize both the month and Indigenous Peoples Day at home by listening to Indigenous music, reading books by Indigenous authors, or reflecting on their own relationships with Indigenous communities and considering how to implement calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation committee into their lives.

In Guelph, a celebration Riverside Park from 5:30 to 8:30 will honour both the first day of summer and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

The event will take place in the north part of Riverside Park, near the bandshell, and is hosted by local Indigenous community members.

It will include music, dancing, drumming, stories, and Indigenous food and crafts.

Local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders plan the annual event with support from the City of Guelph.

All are welcome to attend.