June is National Indigenous History Month – a celebration of the history, diverse cultures and achievements of Indigenous peoples in Canada. For us at The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa (CASO), this month is a time for learning, appreciating, and acknowledging the contributions First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples have made in our communities across the country.
As such, we are hosting internal events and sharing various resources with our staff throughout the month to celebrate, and develop our Agency’s understanding of, Indigenous heritage. For information regarding events happening in Ottawa, visit the official Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival website.
Additionally, on June 21 our offices will be closed in celebration of National First Peoples Day. From this year forward, June 21 will be an annual holiday at CASO as an opportunity for all staff to reflect on the importance of reconciliation and to celebrate Indigenous culture and resiliency.
Finally, we continue to honour the 215 children from the Kamloops Residential School and stand in support and solidarity with our Indigenous staff, families and partners during this difficult time. Click here to read our reflection on this tragedy.
As an Agency, we acknowledge our historical and ongoing involvement in the systemic and social injustices against First Nation, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Peoples. We are committed to taking actionable steps towards reconciliation. Click here to learn about how we’re striving to empower First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous children, youth, families, and staff through our practices.
