Proclamation for Indigenous History Month (June 2026)

Proclamation for Indigenous History Month (June 2026) and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21, 2026)

Whereas June is recognized as Indigenous History Month across Canada and is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, languages, knowledge, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples; and

Whereas the Town of Arnprior is situated on the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinaabe People; and

Whereas in cooperation with Indigenous leaders, the Government of Canada chose June 21 to be National Indigenous Peoples Day, given the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year; and

Whereas the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the Town of Arnprior’s past, present, and future are profound but often unrecognized;

Whereas municipalities and museums play an important role in reconciliation as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action; and

Whereas Arnprior + District Museum is on a path of reconciliation, including collaborative learning, relationship-building, and co-care of community belongings in partnership with Indigenous Nations; and

Whereas Arnprior + District Museum staff and leadership is thankful that the museum’s recent strategic planning team was led by a local Indigenous consultant; and

Whereas leadership staff at the Town of Arnprior participated in Indigenous Relations Training to continue broad-based learning about Indigenous history and reconciliation; and

Whereas the Culture and Diversity Advisory Committee, with guidance from a regional Indigenous consultant, is presenting a new Land Acknowledgement process to Council in humble commitment to the Town’s path to reconciliation; and

Whereas the Town would like to recognize and thank local Indigenous leadership who have supported this important work: Christine Luckasavitch, Omàmìwininì Madaoueskarini Anishinaabekwe and Owner/Executive Consultant of Waaseyaa Consulting and Gail Brandt-Terry from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and Senior Advisor and Co-Founder of Ridge Road Training and Consulting; and

Whereas the Town welcomes future collaboration with Indigenous-identifying community members and Knowledge Keepers according to their capacity and interest; and

Whereas the Town invites community members as a whole to recognize and celebrate this month at the following public gatherings:

Arnprior Public Library will have a display featuring Indigenous authors in the month of June; and

The City of Pembroke is celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st Pembroke event with traditional music, dance, and ceremonies at Waterfront Park; and

The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation hosts a traditional Pow wow on the third weekend of August every year; and

Many other opportunities to come together in recognition of Algonquin Teachings and Ways of Knowing.

Whereas the Town of Arnprior encourages residents to participate in the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Canada course, which is a free online resource that explores different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous Peoples living in Canada.

Now Therefore, I, Lisa McGee, Mayor of Arnprior, do hereby proclaim June 2026 as Indigenous History Month and June 21, 2026, as National Indigenous Peoples Day in the Town of Arnprior and encourage all citizens to continue learning about reconciliation, and Indigenous history, contributions, and culture.