June Special Message
Posted on June 12, 2023
Aww, June!!!! This is the long-awaited month for teachers, education administrators, directors of education and students alike. The month of June signifies the completion of another school year with the celebration of successes and visions of new ideas for the upcoming school year; and the anticipation of a well-deserved summer break to rejuvenate.
June also hosts the completion of spring and the beginning of summer. The summer solstice occurs on June 21st. National Indigenous Peoples Day, formally known as National Aboriginal Day is also celebrated on June 21st. The date was specifically selected because many First Nations peoples celebrate their cultures on this day. Celebrating culture and way of life can simultaneously be celebrated with graduation ceremonies by including customs such as hosting traditional dancers and drummers during convocation ceremonies; or hosting last day of school gatherings complete with cultural ceremonies and blessings.
National Indigenous Peoples Day was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day. This was the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups:
- In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day
- In 1995, the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples
- Also in 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day (cirna.gc.ca)
As First Nation education administrators/ directors of education support and host cultural celebrations in their respective communities, the FNEAA Board and staff send well-wishes to all education administrators/ directors of education and educators for a well-deserved and enjoyable summer break. May you all replenish your bodies, emotions, minds and spirits during the summer months.