National Indigenous Peoples Day - June 21, 2025

WHEREAS the Indigenous Organizations & Royal Commission on Aboriginal People called for the creation of a day to celebrate Indigenous Culture & History across Canada since the 1990s. In 1996, the Governor General of Canada, through a proclamation declared June 21 of each year as National Aboriginal Day.In 2009 the House of Commons passed a unanimous motion creating what was known as National Aboriginal History Month and in 2017, the Prime Minister issued a statement which announced the intent to rename the day as National Indigenous Peoples Day; and

WHEREAS in cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for what is now known as Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of the First Nation, Inuit and Métis people. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. The Indigenous people of this diverse, vibrant and growing region have contributed to every aspect of life in our community; and

WHEREAS the Town of Stony Plain acknowledges it is situated in Treaty 6 territory, the traditional territory of the Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, Beaver Cree, Saulteaux, Niisitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, and Nakota Sioux Peoples; and

WHEREAS the Town of Stony Plain is committed to advancing Reconciliation through relationships based on the recognition of rights, respect, and friendship; and

WHEREAS June 21 is a day to inspire Canadians to relearn historical perspectives and increase individual understanding of a collective shared history.

THEREFORE, I, Mayor William Choy of the Town of Stony Plain, do hereby proclaim June 21, 2025 as "National Indigenous Peoples Day."

Dated this 21st day of June, 2025.

Mayor William Choy
Town of Stony Plain