In this National Indigenous History Month, and especially today on National Indigenous Peoples Day, as well as with our #IndigenousReads initiative, we are all encouraged to learn about and celebrate the beauty and strength of First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture and the importance of protecting Indigenous knowledge. As we #BuildBackBetter after Covid-19 economically, socially and environmentally, we will need the guidance of First Nations, Inuit and Métis more than ever.

Anishinaabe Elder David Courchene, Métis/Cree Knowledge Keeper Maria Campbell and Inuk Professor Karla Williamson joined Ministers Miller, Vandal and me for a compelling conversation on the importance of protecting Indigenous knowledge in Canada that we will share with you. Listening to the wisdom of these extraordinary people will inspire you and leave you wanting more. Click link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTyfX1znXg0

Today, we are celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day and how Canada has been, and will continue to be, shaped by the wisdom, strength, resiliency and leadership of #IndigenousPeoples and their communities. See video from Hon. Carolyn Bennett on National Indigenous Peoples Day here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgpVQfmFy8M&feature=youtu.be

Full statement here and also available in Indigenous languages: https://bit.ly/2AMdCLW