News & Stories

Today, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and honoring the rich culture, histories and contributions of Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world. It is a day to acknowledge the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities, as well as reflect on the ongoing struggles and challenges they face.

The month of June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, and for some, this may seem like a recent observance; but the call for an opportunity to learn about Canada’s Indigenous populations began in the 1980s.

In 1982 the Assembly of First Nations, called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. In 1995, the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples. Since 1996, June 21 has been recognized as a day for our country to showcase the richness and diversity of Indigenous People.

This month is not only an opportunity to learn, but a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. Part of our work at the Calgary Drop-In Centre, is focusing on the truth portion of truth and reconciliation. Next week, our staff will take part in a session with the Calgary Foundation’s Tim Fox on the Impacts of Intergenerational Trauma.

Tim Fox (Natoyi’sokasiim) is a member of the Blackfoot confederacy from the Blood (Kainai) reserve. As Vice President of Indigenous Relations with Calgary Foundation, Tim supports the work of philanthropy while also facilitating an internal systems change approach. His efforts help to strengthen and enhance the culture and practice of the foundation while designing ways of mobilizing reconciliation internally and in the broader community. He is honored to co-chair The Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada board of directors and was recently named a top 40 under 40 for his efforts of incorporating reconciliation and decolonization.

Article by Anda Fabrig, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Specialist, Calgary Drop-In Centre