September 30, 2022 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action #80 the Federal Government enacted a holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors, their families and communities. It is intended as an opportunity to raise awareness and public commemoration of Indigenous history and the legacy of residential schools.

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day to raise awareness of the impacts and inter-generational trauma individual, family and community  experienced and continues to experience, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”.  The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

June is National Indigenous History Month. It is a time for all Canadians to reflect on the unique histories, sacrifices, cultures, contributions, and strengths of our First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples.

Take the time this month to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples and learn about their histories, cultures and ways of life.

Barnes Management Group joins people across Canada celebrating Black History Month to honour the history and legacy of Black Canadians and their communities and to recognize the everyday contributions that Black Canadians make to Canada.

The 2022 theme for Black History Month is ‘February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day’, which focuses on recognizing the daily contributions that Black Canadians make to Canada.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has designated September 27- October 1 as Reconciliation Week in Canada.

“This is a 5-day national event that will continue the conversations from Every Child Matters. Important conversations including the truths of the Indigenous treaties, First Nation, Métis and Inuit land claims, and the residential schools system. This online event will provide historical workshops, exclusive video content, and activities for students — all supported by artistic and cultural performances by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists”.  To register for these events visit the NCTR website: https://nctr.ca/)

On June 21, 2021, The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was passed into law. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP) consists of 46 articles recognizing the basic human rights of Indigenous people including  rights to self-determination. The Declaration includes articles affirming the right of Indigenous people to create their own education systems, receive restitution for stolen lands, and participate in all decision-making that affects their interests. Canada has ratified UNDRIP, indicating its consent to be bound by its provisions.

Beyond Indigenous History Month & Pride Month

Although Pride month and Indigenous History month have come to an end, it’s important to remember the values of these celebrations beyond June 30th and to continue to be allies and support First Nation people, First Nation communities, and 2SLGBTQ+ community members throughout the year.

The month of June is National Indigenous History Month. BMG will highlight the Month with a series of feature articles on the BMG web site, which will also be posted to the BMG FaceBook and BMG Twitter accounts. In this issue we profile Indigenous Scientist and Senator: Senator Lillian Eva Dyck.

The month of June is National Indigenous History Month. BMG will highlight the Month with a series of feature articles on the BMG web site, which will also be posted to the BMG FaceBook and BMG Twitter accounts. In this issue we profile Indigenous Athlete, Jesse Cockney.

Barnes Management Group (BMG) is pleased to acknowledge the many contributions and the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada on June 21 – National Indigenous People’s Day.