Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21, 2025

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day — a time to honour the rich histories, traditions, and knowledges of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Celebrated since 1996, this day also aligns with the summer solstice, symbolizing renewal and the start of a new season.

As part of RNAO’s ongoing journey to deepen understanding about the powerful histories, strengths, traditions and knowledges of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada, we continue to build partnerships with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Healers, and others to strengthen RNAO’s Indigenous health program, best practice guidelines and healthy public policy. RNAO reaffirms its commitment to truth and reconciliation by working alongside Indigenous communities, health services and academic organizations to advance self-determination, health and wholistic healing.

Today, we also recognize the achievements of the Indigenous-focused Best Practice Spotlight Organizations® across Ontario. Through these partnerships, RNAO continues to intensify its understanding of Two-Eyed Seeing and other Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, aiming to bring expanded knowledge and humility to the association’s work. RNAO is grateful to work with Indigenous-led organizations and communities which offer distinct and culturally appropriate health and social services. We all share a common goal: Improving the quality of life of the Indigenous individuals and communities where health providers work and live.

Critically important, RNAO stands with Indigenous leaders who have expressed their opposition to Ontario’s Bill 5 and the proposed federal Bill C-5, calling them a betrayal of reconciliation and a threat to rights, lands, and future generations.

For more information about RNAO’s efforts to support and work alongside members of Indigenous communities, visit the association’s Indigenous Health and RNAO In Focus web page.

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