Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21, 2026

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day – a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions and knowledge systems of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. Observed since 1996, the day coincides with the summer solstice, a time of renewal.

RNAO continues to deepen understanding of the histories, strengths, traditions and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. In partnership with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Healers and community partners, RNAO advances its best practice guidelines (BPG) Program, Best Practice Spotlight Organization® (BPSO®) Program and healthy public policy work in support of self-determination, health and holistic healing.

Much of RNAO’s core work with Indigenous communities is conducted through the Indigenous Health Program. In March 2026, RNAO leaders were invited to visit Pikangikum First Nation BPSO, an Ojibwe community health authority currently implementing RNAO’s Adopting eHealth Solutions BPG. Key Ontario government health officials joined the visit, which highlighted Indigenous-led approaches to health service design, self-determination and cultural safety.

In June 2026, the RNAO Indigenous Health Program also hosted its third-annual BPSO Indigenous-focused gathering in Thunder Bay. The gathering – themed “Building Bridges Together to Shape a Balanced Path Forward” – brought together more than 80 participants from BPSOs, health leaders, community partners and knowledge holders from across Ontario. The event opened with traditional teachings, including a welcome to the land, land acknowledgement, smudging and a drum ceremony led by Elder Beatrice Twance-Hynes (Biigtigong Nishnaabeg). Opening remarks were delivered by Chief Michele Solomon (Fort William First Nation); Melissa Deleary (Bkejwanong Territory and Yellowknives Dene First Nation), program manager of Indigenous health equity and coordination at Ontario Health; and RNAO Dr. Doris Grinspun. Participants engaged in interactive sessions designed to deepen understanding of the diversity of Indigenous communities.

Partnerships rooted in equity, diversity and inclusion continue to shape RNAO’s work, including collaborations with Indigenous communities in Ontario and internationally. An example is its collaboration with the Guidelines International Network (GIN) to establish the Indigenous Communities Working Group, which aims to advance health equity and culturally safe care. GIN connects guideline leaders across 56 countries. In March 2026, the partnership launched with a global webinar that brought together Indigenous researchers, Knowledge Keepers, Elders, guideline developers and community members. The initiative is chaired by Dr. Holly Graham (University of Saskatchewan), with Dr. Grinspun as vice-chair, and supported by RNAO Knowledge Keeper Dr. Tecumseh (Ed) Connors and GIN CEO Daniela Carl. The partnership fosters dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous health providers worldwide. By bringing these perspectives together, the collaboration will explore how diverse ways of knowing can inform BPG development and advance care for Indigenous Peoples globally.

In May 2026, RNAO unveiled four collaborative working spaces at its home office, reflecting its commitment to Indigenous health, 2SLGBTQI+ health, Black health, and leading change. The family of Edith Monture, the first Indigenous RN in Canada, attended for the official naming of the Indigenous Health Collaborative Space in her honour.

The event included Indigenous blessings, a drum birthing ceremony and smudging by RNAO Knowledge Keeper Dr. Connors (of Mohawk ancestry from Kahnawake Mohawk Territory), RN Maxine Lesage (Anishinaabe Qwe from Ketegaunseebee [Garden River First Nation of the Robinson-Huron Treaty Territory]); and Nokomis (Grandmother) Vivian (Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Manitoulin Island). This ceremony included the use of sacred medicine and the singing of the Nibi Song. The afternoon’s ceremonies concluded with a sacred fire ceremony led by Firekeeper Joshua Recollet on the grounds outside RNAO’s home office.

RNAO is actively developing a new BPG, Promoting Life and Preventing Indigenous Youth Suicide (working title). The guideline will draw on both Indigenous and Western knowledge, guided by an Indigenous expert panel and led by co-chairs Dr. Graham and Greta Meekis.

To learn more about RNAO’s work with and alongside Indigenous communities, visit the association’s Indigenous Health and RNAO In Focus web page.

RNAO invites you on the path towards truth and reconciliation. Take time to reflect, learn and celebrate the enduring strengths of Indigenous Peoples – today and every day.