Latest news with #Inuit
Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Science
- Cision Canada
Canadian Coast Guard begins 2025 Arctic Summer Season
YELLOWKNIFE, NT, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Coast Guard's annual Arctic summer operational season is underway. Through its new Arctic Strategy, the Canadian Coast Guard is working with Inuit, First Nation, and Métis partners to deliver services and programs in the North, by the North, for the North. In total, seven Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers are scheduled to deploy from June into November to enable the annual northern community resupply, search and rescue operations, marine pollution incidents, Canadian Arctic security, and other operational and program commitments. June 11 – CCGS Pierre Radisson departed Quebec City, QC, for icebreaking, Arctic science support, Marine Environmental and Hazards Response (MEHR) vessel reconnaissance and assessment, buoy tending operations, and refueling Killiniq's remote communication station. June 26 – CCGS Henry Larsen departs St. John's, NL, for icebreaking, Arctic science support, and Operation Pacer Goos e – to support the annual resupply of U.S. Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. June 27 – CCGS Amundsen departs Quebec City, QC, for the 2025 Amundsen Science mission. July 1 – CCGS Des Groseilliers departs Quebec City, QC, for icebreaking, Arctic science support, MEHR vessel reconnaissance and assessment, and refueling the weather station in Eureka, NU. July 9 – CCGS Jean Goodwill departs Dartmouth, NS, for icebreaking in Southern and Central Arctic, as well as the High Arctic, if required. July 17 – CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier departs Nome, Alaska (following its deployment in Operation North Pacific Guard), for icebreaking, Arctic science support, MEHR vessel reconnaissance and assessment, and buoy tending operations in the Western Arctic. September 18 – CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent departs Cambridge Bay, NU, to assist the Joint Ocean Ice Study in the Beaufort Sea, and provide icebreaking support in the High and Low Arctic. It will be the last vessel operating in the Arctic, until the end of November 2025. Through presence, assistance, and operations, the Canadian Coast Guard continues to demonstrate and reinforce Canada's long-standing, well-established sovereignty in the North. Quick Facts: The Canadian Coast Guard maintains safe and efficient marine navigation in Arctic waters by providing icebreaking services to the shipping industry and other vessel traffic, and daily ice and operations briefings in the North. Iqaluit's Marine Communications and Traffic Services centre reopened on May 16, 2025, and ensures safe navigation in the region by monitoring Arctic marine traffic, responding to maritime distress calls, broadcasting weather and ice information, and issuing navigational warnings. Across the Arctic, search and rescue training occurs with Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary units to gain extensive local knowledge of specific risks and enhance capacity for search and rescue in the Arctic. The seasonal Arctic Marine Response Station in Rankin Inlet, NU, will reopen on June 25, 2025, to provide local maritime search and rescue services during the summer season. The Arctic MEHR and Monitoring and Compliance teams maintain a permanent presence in the Arctic, with a network of 28 equipment caches, 24/7 standby response for marine pollution incidents in the North, and full-time facilities in Iqaluit, NU, and Yellowknife and Hay River, NT. On Great Slave Lake and the Mackenzie River in the Northwest Territories, the Canadian Coast Guard's two specialized buoy tenders, the CCGS Dumit and CCGS Eckaloo, conduct seasonal buoy tending to help commercial shipping and community resupply along the river, if water levels permit. SOURCE Canadian Coast Guard
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Where to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent
People across Windsor-Essex can enjoy free access to Museum Windsor and Art Windsor-Essex on Saturday so they can take in exhibits by Indigenous artists and about Indigenous history. The initiatives are part of a series of activities marking National Indigenous Peoples Day across Canada. The annual celebration of the traditions, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people was originally proclaimed as National Aboriginal Day in 1996 by then-Governor General Roméo LeBlanc, according to a history posted on the government of Canada website. In 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the event would be renamed National Indigenous Peoples Day. Here's some of what's taking place in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025. Free admission to Art Windsor-Essex Part of its National Indigenous People's Day Festival, running June 19 to 21 Visitors can check out exhibits by Indigenous artists, including the new exhibit Ndishnikaaz | Nugwa'am | My name is by artist Mary Anne Barkhouse. The exhibit invites viewers to reflect on history and on the future in light of the demise of the Hudson's Bay Company. Free admission to Museum Windsor Visitors can explore the museum's new Original Peoples Culture and Legacy Gallery and new temporary exhibition, The Witness Blanket, developed by the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. The Witness Blanket was created by master carver Carey Newman to recognize the atrocities of the residential school era, honour the children and symbolize ongoing reconciliation. Inspired by a woven blanket, the cedar-framed replica artwork features hundreds of items from residential schools, survivors, churches, governments and other cultural sites across Canada. Windsor Indigenous Solidarity Day Presented by the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre June 21, noon to 3:30 p.m. at Mic Mac Park on Prince Road Includes lunch, entertainment and games for kids. Organizers are asking people to bring a refillable plastic water bottle to reduce plastic waste Events taking place on Friday, June 20 Sunrise Celebration and Networking Breakfast Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the Deshkan Ziibi Indigenous Hub in Chatham Local Indigenous vendor sales Every Monday and Friday in June, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Chatham Kent Health Alliance School programs at Art Windsor-Essex Part of its National Indigenous Peoples Day Festival, June 19 to 21 Youth from across Windsor-Essex will visit the gallery to create a habitat inspired by the works of Mary Anne Barkhouse and enjoy a dance performance by hoop dancer Melissa Greenbird. They will also discover works by Indigenous artists featured in SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS and a new exhibition featuring the works of Mary Anne Barkhouse. Bkejwanong Summer Solstice Celebration Friday, June 20, all day at High Banks Park, Walpole Island First Nation Includes a barbeque, music and pontoon rides.
Cision Canada
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
STATEMENT - Reflecting on the past and shaping a better future Français
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - On the occasion of National Indigenous Peoples Day, marked on June 21, 2025, Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, Interim Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, issues the following statement: Tomorrow, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we join people across the country in celebrating the distinct cultures, histories, and enduring achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Since time immemorial, Indigenous communities have been the stewards of these lands and waters. Together, they have helped shape the culture, traditions and inherent values of what is now known as Canada. These are rich histories to celebrate. But there has been much to overcome. The legacy of colonialism — including the impacts of residential schools, the Indian Act, the separation of families, the unmarked graves of children, the displacement of communities — has led to generational trauma and bears heavily on the present. We must be mindful of these realities. Indigenous peoples in Canada continue to face systemic discrimination and the denial of their human rights. Among them: the right to self-determination, to safe drinking water, to safe housing, to the preservation of language, and to live free from violence and injustice. Working towards reconciliation means more must be done to ensure that all Indigenous peoples can live in full realization of their human rights. This is a collective responsibility. It belongs to all of us because this history belongs to all of us. Together, we must recognize intersecting identities and amplify the many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis voices by including women and girls, men, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, Elders, youth, and people with disabilities. We must support distinctions-based, Indigenous-led solutions. And we must keep challenging colonial-based systems that continue to do harm. At the same time, we must remember to keep celebrating Indigenous contributions, which are among Canada's greatest strengths. They encompass artistry, leadership, learning, family, community, environmentalism, and all the other everyday contributions of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Let's ensure all forms of Indigenous excellence are celebrated and free to flourish. Stay Connected social media.
Cision Canada
7 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
RBC deepens its commitment to advancing reconciliation and human rights with the launch of its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan Français
The bank thanks 400+ First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, employees and business owners who shared their insights to help inform RBC's Reconciliation Action Plan and journey forward TORONTO, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) published its Reconciliation Action Plan: Pathways to Economic Prosperity – a strategic framework outlining the bank's measurable, long-term commitment towards reconciliation and plans to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action 92 1 for Corporate Canada. Building on RBC's longstanding history 2 of working with Indigenous communities across Canada, the plan prioritizes the organization's actions and investments across five key pathways – Economy, People, Community, Environment and Leadership – to help drive inclusive economic growth, create positive social change and advance reconciliation. "At RBC, we believe that long-term Indigenous prosperity is at the heart of a growing economy and thriving society for Canada," said Dave McKay, President & CEO, RBC. "Helping advance reconciliation efforts by collaborating with Indigenous peoples, unlocking more opportunities for Indigenous participation, and creating greater access to capital will be critical to boosting Canada's long-term competitiveness. Our bank is deeply committed to doing more and working with Indigenous communities across Canada to help deliver on this ambition." Building upon the foundational progress RBC has made over the last several decades, the bank re-imagined the mandate of its Indigenous Banking team and leadership to transform its approach to Indigenous collaboration. Last year, RBC appointed Chinyere Eni, a commercial banking executive, a member of Little Pine First Nation (Cree) and a second-generation Nigerian (Igbo) to help shape RBC's Indigenous strategy for the future. In May 2024, RBC Origins was launched, along with a new Truth and Reconciliation Office led by Brittanee Laverdure, a member of Liard First Nation (Kaska Dena). The team grew with net new leadership mandates covering Transaction Advisory Services, Human Rights, Regional Banking, Strategy and Portfolio Initiatives. Today, these mandates are led by team members who bring decades of collective experience working directly with Indigenous communities. In collaboration with Phil Fontaine, Special Advisor to RBC and former three-term National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, RBC Origins aims to bring to life one of the guiding principles of RBC's Purpose Framework – Ideas for People and Planet™ of advancing human rights and reconciliation. The bank is committed to doing so by strengthening the intersection of its work holistically across RBC's Indigenous banking, sustainability, and human rights strategies. RBC has also evolved its strategy and community engagement model to build trust-based relationships and amplify Indigenous voices to help steward the next chapter of the bank's reconciliation journey. Chinyere Eni, Head, RBC Origins notes: "Many of the 1.8 million Indigenous Peoples in Canada 3 continue to live at the periphery of economic well-being. Creating meaningful change that will last for generations requires a focus on scalable systemic approaches to Nation-to-Nation building, enhancing Indigenous access to capital, fostering financial and community well-being, and creating opportunities to empower the next generation of Indigenous talent, entrepreneurship, sustainable development and innovation." The reconciliation journey requires deliberate and sustained efforts toward responsible and respectful practices. As such, RBC's Reconciliation Action Plan serves as the foundation for effective implementation, continuous measurement and monitoring, and transparency. "Developing this plan has been a meaningful journey unto itself. There's been a tremendous mobilization of leadership, talent and engagement within RBC and the process has served as an important catalyst to transform the way the bank intends to engage with Indigenous communities going forward," Fontaine adds. To help ensure that an effective methodology was in place to generate candid feedback, RBC Origins collaborated with lead agency, BOOM InterTribal, an Indigenous-owned and -led strategic and creative partner. BOOM engaged Archipel Research & Consulting to solicit insights and ideas from more than 400 Inuit, First Nations and Métis communities, employees and business owners across Canada. These insights helped inform the bank's strategic priorities and investments across five pathways: Economy: To contribute to the prosperity of Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities through tailored advice, programs and financial solutions aligning to The RBC ® Inclusive Opportunities Blueprint. People: To be an employer of choice for Métis, First Nations and Inuit talent and to foster a supportive environment across Canada to help shape the future of RBC. Community: To promote the well-being and economic growth of Inuit, Métis and First Nations communities by supporting the areas of greatest needs impacting Indigenous communities. Environment: To advance environmental stewardship efforts and sustainable practices aligned with the RBC ® Climate Blueprint. Leadership: To advance reconciliation through greater leadership, governance, transparency and accountability across RBC's Canadian operations. Launching on the eve of National Indigenous Peoples Day and the summer solstice, the Reconciliation Action Plan is guided by the theme of 'Celestial Cycles'–a creative concept by BOOM InterTribal to reflect the cycles long used by Indigenous Peoples to navigate movement and decision-making. The concept mirrors RBC's own journey of reflection, continuous learning and evolution, guided by its Purpose. Emily Kewageshig, an Anishinaabe artist and storyteller from Saugeen First Nation No. 29 visually brought this to life in a way that honours the past while inspiring the future throughout the report. RBC's Reconciliation Action Plan will be reviewed in 2027 to evaluate the bank's progress, with subsequent biennial updates. RBC looks forward to continued progress and anticipates announcing an update later this summer related to the Economy pathway of its Reconciliation Action Plan. To learn more about RBC Origins and RBC's Reconciliation Action Plan, visit Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of certain securities laws, including the "safe harbour" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and any applicable Canadian securities legislation, with respect to RBC's Reconciliation Action Plan. For cautionary statements relating to the information in this press release, refer to the "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" section in RBC's Reconciliation Action Plan. About RBC Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 97,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at ® Registered Trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. For media inquiries, contact: Lara Banlaoi, RBC Corporate Communications
Hamilton Spectator
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
What is National Indigenous Peoples Day and is it a stat holiday?
Saturday, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. It's a date to recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. For generations, many Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or around June 21, according to the Canadian government's description of the day , as this time of year is significant due to the summer solstice being the longest day of the year. In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood, now the Assembly of First Nations, called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. In 1995, the Sacred Assembly called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous peoples. June 21 was proclaimed as National Aboriginal Day in 1996 by then-Gov.-Gen. Roméo LeBlanc. In 2017, then-prime minister Justin Trudeau announced the federal government's intention to rename the day as National Indigenous Peoples Day. The government has been referring to it as such since. The day is now part of the Celebrate Canada program, which includes various cultural summer programs across the country. You can learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day and look up a list of events across Canada on the government's website . National Indigenous Peoples Day is observed as a statutory holiday in the Northwest Territories and Yukon, but not anywhere else in Canada.
