Message from the Clerk for National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025

June 20, 2025 - Defence Stories

This message is being sent to you from the traditional unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people. This land acknowledgement is history. When we recognize history, we can better understand and learn from the past to inform what we do in the present.

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour the rich histories and enduring contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada.

For generations, Indigenous Peoples have marked the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, for its significant cultural and spiritual meaning.

It is a time both for celebration and reflection. I encourage everyone to learn more about Indigenous Peoples, their accomplishments, and contributions to Canada. Listen to their voices, respect Indigenous knowledge and renew our collective commitment to reconciliation. As public servants and citizens of Canada, we have a responsibility to actively grow all spaces to be safer, healthier and more inclusive. When we make space for Indigenous stories, history, knowledge and community, we bring to life our public service values and ethics of excellence and respect for people.

On this day, please participate in activities in your community to learn more about the history of the land we live on, and the role of historic and modern treaties, agreements and alliances.

The work towards reconciliation is a lifelong journey of education, inclusivity and respect. Together, we are making progress.

Let us commit to better understanding and celebrating the contributions and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada, not just today, but every day.

Thank you / Merci / Meegwetch / Miigwech / Niá:wen / Kleco / Ekosani / Mahseecho / Mutna / Wopida / Hei Hei / Marci Cho / ᖁᐊᓇᖅᑯᑎᑦ / Quanaqqutit / Nakurmik / Kukwstsétsemc / Woliwun / Haawa / Wela’lioq

John Hannaford (he/him)
Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet