June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD), formerly National Aboriginal Day. This is a day of cultural significance for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

The City of Toronto has been raising the Indigenous flags since before amalgamation in 1998, and in 2017 the City had the Indigenous flags permanently installed on Nathan Phillips Square. Typically, the day is marked around a sacred fire, strawberries, water and the use of sage for cleansing followed by the Mayor’s proclamation and presentation to a representative, as well as the involvement of treaty partners. Learn more about sunrise ceremonies.

At the sunrise ceremony, people come together to share in offering prayers and in giving thanks for all of creation and Mino Baamodziwin (The Good life). It is a time when Mishoomis Giizis (Grandfather Sun) starts to look over us and provide us with light and warmth for the daytime.