For generations, many Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on June 21 because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice. Calls to create a day of solidarity to Indigenous peoples dates back to at least 1982, and in 1995 a Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples was established. National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day, was formally announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Romeo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day. This was the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups. National Aboriginal Day was renamed National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2017. 

June was also designated as National Aboriginal History Month in 2009, which was changed to National Indigenous History Month in 2017. The month was identified as an opportunity to learn about “the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It is a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada.” (Government of Canada).

The City of Mississauga has many connections to Indigenous history – not the least of which is our name. But there are many, many other references across our landscape and streetscape that connect to the Indigenous history on this land – modern road and park names such as Etobicoke, Hiawatha, Kogaydiwin, Mohawk, Onandaga, Oneida, Quenippenon, Seneca, Wabukayne reflect on the deep history of this land and its connection to Indigenous peoples. Other names, including Peter, John and formerly Joseph Street (now Mississauga Road South) in Port Credit were directly named for the principal chiefs of the Mississaugas of the Credit River in 1835. And there are many more, both historic and more modern references, that open a window into our evolving connections to the Indigenous history of this place.

The City of Mississauga’s official territorial acknowledgement also reflects on the multifaceted connections our city has to Indigenous peoples, past and present: We acknowledge the lands which constitute the present-day City of Mississauga as being part of the Treaty and Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Huron-Wendat and Wyandot Nations. We recognize these peoples and their ancestors as peoples who inhabited these lands since time immemorial. The City of Mississauga is home to many global Indigenous Peoples. As a municipality, the City of Mississauga is actively working towards reconciliation by confronting our past and our present, providing space for Indigenous peoples within their territory, to recognize and uphold their Treaty Rights and to support Indigenous Peoples. We formally recognize the Anishinaabe origins of our name and continue to make Mississauga a safe space for all Indigenous peoples.

This year, on National Indigenous Peoples Day in Mississauga (Wednesday, June 21, 2023), the Mississauga Nation will hold its first-ever combined Pow Wow in the City of Mississauga. The Michi Sagiig – We Are All United Pow Wow will be at Celebration Square in Mississauga from noon to 4 p.m. The event is a joint effort from the Mississauga Nation including Alderville, Curve Lake, Mississaugas of the Credit, Mississauga, Mississaugas of Rice Lake Hiawatha and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. The pow wow will include traditional singing and dancing.

Those unfamiliar with the traditional event can review Pow Wow Etiquette. Etiquette includes referring to pow wow dancer’s clothing as regalia, not a costume, respecting elders and checking with organizers before taking photos or video.

The Indigenous Day celebration will continue in the evening in Celebration Square with live performances, food, activities and Indigenous art. Visitors can paint with the Moccasin Identifier Project and learn more about Indigenous heritage and historical moccasin designs from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The biggest artists from across Turtle Island will take the stage, including folk-pop powerhouse DeeDee Austin, hip hop sensation MR. SAUGA, and headliner by the Godfather of Pow Wow Step, DJ Shub.

For more information and for the program schedule, click here.