June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the culture and heritage of Indigenous peoples in our community and country.
The recent findings in Kamloops and other communities is a tragic reminder of the oppression and marginalization of Indigenous people and culture that has happened, and continues to happen, in Canada and in our own province.
As allies of the Indigenous community it is our responsibility to educate ourselves, support the Indigenous community, amplify the voices and experiences of Indigenous populations, and - on NIPD and beyond - to celebrate the heritage and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
Our friends at First Light are hosting many events to celebrate NIPD 2021, featuring both in-person and virtual options. View the full schedule of events below, and be sure to visit the First Light website for more information and to register.
For more information on NIPD, as well as resources and information, visit the First Light website.
Orange Shirt Day
First Light is calling on everyone to wear orange on July 1 to show solidarity with those who survived residential schools across Canada and to remember those who never made it home. First Light also encourages you to wear your orange shirt any day of the year to show your support for decolonizing spaces, educating others, and recognizing Indigenous rights.
First Light has compiled information about the significance behind the colour orange, which can be found here.
As our organization grows and the needs of youth change, our values and cultural commitments remind us to focus on those we serve, and to build positive environments around all of our supportive programming.
We respect, value, celebrate, and welcome racialized people, all sexual orientations, women and trans* people, Aboriginal and First People, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, people with mental illness, and those from all social strata. Read our full inclusion statement and cultural commitments on the CFY website.