(Ottawa, ON) – June 21, 2023 – The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is pleased to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. We would like to extend our best wishes to all Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island and would like to acknowledge the support of non-Indigenous allies who actively participate in pushing forward the cause of Reconciliation year-round.

National Indigenous History Month gives Canadians the chance to learn more about the history of Indigenous Peoples and their significant contributions to Canadian society. It is a time to remember the past, recognize the present, and look forward to improving socio-economic conditions for the future generations of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It’s also a chance to understand the effects of colonialism on communities, while celebrating the unique traditions, cultures, languages, etc., of Indigenous Peoples.

National Indigenous Peoples Day, previously known as National Aboriginal Day, is a day dedicated to celebrating Indigenous Peoples. It’s fittingly celebrated on June 21st, the Summer Solstice, a time of spiritual importance and renewal and is a perfect opportunity to celebrate Indigenous cultures.

“On National Indigenous Peoples Day and throughout National Indigenous History Month, we are reminded of the strength, resilience and cultural richness of our cultures,” says Teresa Edwards, Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel at the LHF. “At LHF, our mission extends beyond celebration. We urge everyone to use this time to understand our shared histories and take time to reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonialism faced by Indigenous Peoples while celebrating the resilience and revitalization of Indigenous cultures in order to foster Reconciliation across Turtle Island,” she continued.

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 23 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate Canadians about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential and Day School Systems and subsequent Child Welfare System on Indigenous Survivors, their families, and communities to promote hope and healing in Canada. The LHF encourages people to address discrimination and injustices in order to contribute to the equality, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples and to foster Reconciliation.

The LHF has more than 28 educational exhibitions that promote awareness of Indigenous history that are free to borrow, and LHF is currently working on making these exhibitions available online. LHF also has curriculum for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Workshops and Training, Podcasts, all designed to educate Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and other acts of colonization. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding so as to eliminate racism against Indigenous Peoples.