National Indigenous Peoples Day

Today we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. There is much to celebrate today but our hearts remain heavy.

The remains of more than 1,000 people, mostly children, have been discovered on the grounds of three former residential schools since May 2021. These discoveries brought the devastation caused by the residential school system, which was set up by the Canadian government and administered by churches, into focus for many non-Indigenous Canadians, and renewed calls for justice.

Now, a year later, representatives from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, north of Edmonton, have announced the discovery of human remains they believe to be unmarked graves of residential school students. Following the discoveries in Kamloops, the Saddle Lake Cree established the Acimowin Opaspiw Society, which is mandated to investigate possible burial sites. The community has received over $7 million in federal funding dedicated to mental health and wellness services, however the community remains underserved, particularly in the wake of this ongoing trauma of excavation which has been taken on by community members.

While the Government of Canada has declared its commitment to supporting Indigenous communities, more must be done. As we honor this day with solidarity with Indigenous communities, we must also recognize the ongoing violence of colonialism and demand justice from our government and leaders.

We must fight for reconciliation and actively protest the exploitation of Indigenous lands. Today we celebrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, but we also grieve the injustices that have been, and continue to be, committed against them.

CCMW stands in solidarity with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples. We reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation and as Canadian Muslim women will continue to seek truth and justice for Indigenous women and girls.

Join us in this fight by writing to all levels of government today to urge action for Indigenous communities.

Here are some other ways you can help today and every day.

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day.

In Solidarity.