National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated annually on June 21, recognizes and celebrates the heritage and culture of Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

It is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more about the diverse cultures of the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and to reflect on the process of reconciliation which we must all undertake together with Indigenous peoples in Canada.

OSSTF/FEESO continues to work in partnership with many organizations, and within its own membership, to develop strategies, resources and training around First Nations, Métis and Inuit understandings. The Federation’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit Advisory Work Group, made up of OSSTF/FEESO members, is tasked with providing advice to the Provincial Executive, and has taken a lead in proposing a variety of projects to support members’ understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and understandings.

These resources include Common Threads V—Full Circle, a full, cross-curricular resource for educators to use in the classroom. In addition, a new workshop, Anji-bmaadzi-win: Beginning to Understand Truth and Reconciliation, will be available to members starting in September. OSSTF/FEESO has had input into the Ministry of Education’s initiative to include Indigenous content in the curriculum, and is part of the National Indigenous Education and Reconciliation Network, which includes other education unions, Ministries of Education and various Indigenous stakeholder groups.

As we continue together down the path of reconciliation, take the time on June 21 to celebrate and reflect on what you can do as an educator to build a positive relationship between Canadians and Indigenous peoples through education.