Friday, June 21, is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and one where we celebrate the culture and heritage of Canada’s first peoples. The rich tapestry of the myriad traditions that make up over 600 Indigenous nations beckons reflection from us all from which we can draw inspiration. For instance, in the Anishnaabe culture, the strawberry, known as the “heart berry”, is associated with forgiveness in various oral stories. Summer is, therefore, a time for the heart, when we clear out old energy and make room for new possibilities.
Through Indigenous culture and tradition, we learn of our connection with the natural world, a link that has become fragile and weak, due to our colonial past and present. The Indigenous teach us that our connection with the natural world is a special gift. Walking Wolf, who performed the closing smudging ceremony at CUPW Convention 2019, acknowledged the importance of the flyers, the crawlers, the swimmers and the four-legged ones to our human story. We are all connected. Walking Wolf also alluded to our capacity for creativity.
It is the creative spirit of Tyrone Elliott that brings us this year’s poster. A young self taught artist living in Newfoundland, Tyrone explores northern scenes and Labrador imagery in his work.
Click here for full Bulletin from National Office
Click here for PDF version of Indigenous Day 2019 Poster