Kawartha Lakes celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2025

Kawartha Lakes – Kawartha Lakes is proud to recognize and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2025. This Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to reflect on the Seven Sacred Teachings of the Anishinaabeg, which focus on living the unifying values of humility, bravery, honesty, wisdom, truth, respect, and love. This important day honours the historic and current rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples across Canada.

Established in 1996, National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time for all Canadians to reflect on the diverse heritage of Indigenous peoples and to commit to learning more about their histories and ongoing contributions to our shared future.

"It is harder for me to really enjoy Indigenous Peoples Day this year given the government of Ontario's passing Bill 5 without properly consulting Indigenous people and others and bypassing its treaty obligations," states Ward 3 Councillor, Mike Perry, who is Métis.

"I have hope that we will make it together if we are true to the Anishinaabe seven sacred teachings of humility, bravery, honesty, wisdom, truth, respect, and love that unite us all in shared values and common cause," he continued. "My hope comes from the work I see in my fellow Councillors honouring Indigenous leaders, by approving a resolution last year that the City Hall flag will be lowered when Indigenous leaders pass away, and by my fellow residents installing the story poles at the Grove Theater, and Mishkodeh Bobcaygeon's well-attended celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day."

This year, we invite community members to participate in a variety of celebrations and learning opportunities, including events hosted by Curve Lake First Nation, located just outside of Peterborough. The community will be hosting a day of community celebrations, at Lime Kiln Park. Festivities include a Sunrise Ceremony, BBQ lunch, a mini artisan market and fireworks at dusk. To see the full scope of activities and timelines checkout Curve Lake’s June communication. These public events are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Indigenous heritage in a spirit of community and reconciliation.

Learn and Reflect: Educational Resources

For municipal staff, educators, and members of the public who wish to learn more, the City recommends checking out the collection of Indigenous Resources on the Kawartha Lakes Library website to find library materials for all ages and reviewing Indigenous Led Resources.

First Nations

• Learn about the Williams Treaty
• Curve Lake Cultural Centre: Looking to attend an event? Curve Lake Cultural Centre outlines their Pow Wow Schedule, etiquette for attendance and what to expect at the grounds.
• Mississauga Nation: Check out language materials, history, and current projects.
• Anishinabek Nation: Have a browse through recommended reading (organized by age group).
• Anishinabek Nation: Take a peek at a variety of education resources created by The Anishinabek Nation, the oldest political organization in Ontario.
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: Learn about the history of Residential Schools and stay current on the United Nations Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples.
• Tribal Trade: If you have questions, they have answers.  Read though a comprehensive FAQ that covers topics from smudging to allyship, cultural appropriation to Truth and Reconciliation.

• Assembly of First Nations (AFN): Offers policy and advocacy materials, toolkits, and updates on Indigenous rights and governance.

Métis

• Métis Nation of Ontario: The government of Métis citizens and communities within Ontario 

• Métis National Council: The Métis National Council is a representative body of the Métis people.
• Métis Nation Teaching Resources: Recommended learning resources.

Inuit

• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami: The national representational organization protecting and advancing the rights and interests of Inuit in Canada.
• Inuit Circumpolar Council: The ICC in Canada is a non-profit organization led by elected leaders in Inuvialuit, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and Nunavut. They have a number of National and International resources. Their Kids page is filled with educational activities for young learners, complete with fun facts and even an introduction to Inuktut!  
• Tungasuvvingat Inuit: An informative website for Ontarians. This website walks readers through teachings, events, and resources. It also shares the stories of Inuit people living in Ontario. Tungasuvvingat Inuit is an Inuit-specific urban services provider that offers community supports for Inuit of all ages. 

The City of Kawartha Lakes respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Mississauga lands and the traditional territory covered by the Williams Treaties.

We are grateful for the opportunity to work here and we thank all the generations of people who have taken care of this land for thousands of years. We recognize and deeply appreciate their historic connection to this place. We also recognize the contributions of Métis people in shaping and strengthening this community.

We encourage all residents to participate, reflect, and learn about Indigenous contributions, not just on June 21st, but throughout the year.

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