OAKVILLE, ON — June 21st marks the 21st National Aboriginal Day in Canada, a day that honours the achievements and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. For generations, many indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their unique arts, culture, and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.
Rubicon author David Bouchard was interviewed recently about his new book, Proud to be Métis, and the importance of celebrating indigenous heritage, especially at this crucial juncture in Canada’s history as the country approaches its 150th anniversary. Bouchard believes that it is important not only to recognize but also to celebrate the diversity of work and artistry of indigenous peoples.
In the interview, Bouchard reflects on how important it is to develop a foundation of trust between indigenous people and non-indigenous people in order to move toward a more inclusive culture in Canada. He believes that “in order to trust each other, we need to learn a little bit more about each other.” National Aboriginal Day provides an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more about the history, traditions, and cultures of indigenous peoples. You can watch David Bouchard’s full interview to the left of this article.
Proud to be Métis, by David Bouchard, helps to celebrate Métis history, culture, and language. A collection of lyrical poems and songs, this book gives a voice to important figures in Métis history from the 17th century to the present day. Bouchard describes Proud to be Métis as accessible and enjoyable for any age group, and it provides an exciting way to learn about Métis people and history in Canada.
For more information about Proud to be Métis, click here.