CMHA Celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day 2024

On June 21, CMHA YRSS will join communities across Canada in celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day. This day, rooted in the Summer Solstice, holds deep meaning for Indigenous Peoples, who gather to celebrate with ceremonies, traditional practices, and art. 

While acknowledging the historic and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, CMHA YRSS aims to highlight the rich histories, traditions, and cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis from coast to coast to coast. 

In York Region and South Simcoe, we celebrate the peoples of this land which include the lands of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat nations, which is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, Metis, and Urban Indigenous people. As well, we honour the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as the closest First Nation community with whom we partner.  

We are committed to amplifying the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples in our community. We need to recognize the unique mental health needs arising from intergenerational trauma caused by colonization, forced assimilation and systemic discrimination. Indigenous Peoples Day is a chance for us to amplify Indigenous voices, share their stories and deepen our understanding and empathy.

One of our very own Peer Support Specialists shares their family story:  

“My husband’s Indigenous family brought me into their culture, taught me their ways and showed me love. When I got sick, my husband’s aunt brought me into her home when I couldn’t be left alone. She taught me how to make dream catchers and told me about all the teachings of their land. They taught me also that my voices were a gift. With the love of my husband’s family, and now my family, I was able to flourish and grow. 

The photo below is of William Thomas Parker, my husband’s grandfather. He was committed to preserving Indigenous culture and protecting his children from residential schools by jumping reserve to reserve. He taught my husband and his family their Indigenous traditions.”