Rugby Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

On June 21, Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day. In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, to be known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

June is also National Indigenous History Month and marks a time for Canada to recognize and celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. These three groups are known as Indigenous Peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

Resources about First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada

Through Rugby Canada’s Community Rugby Fund initiative that began in 2021, special consideration has been given to rugby clubs or community organizations whose projects aim to enhance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility of rugby within a club, educational institution, or community organization, particularly for Indigenous communities.

“We strive to promote the game of rugby to Indigenous communities and youth through camps in the summer,” said John Lyall, Thunder Rugby Program Director. “Our Community Rugby Funds have helped us present rugby camps and participate in short BC tours. We toured Chilliwack and Kamloops in 2024 with proceeds from a Community Rugby Fund grant.”

While in Chilliwack, Thunder Rugby participated in an Indigenous Youth Rugby Camp for kids ages six to 18, conducted in collaboration with local Indigenous leaders, Rugby Canada, and the RCMP Indigenous Police Service. Opportunities such as this tour and camp help the rugby community engage with local Indigenous communities, promote cultural exchange, and inspire younger generations. It also provides an avenue for celebrating Indigenous culture and heritage, enhancing the visibility and recognition of Indigenous peoples within the broader Canadian societal fabric.

“We would encourage organizations to introduce or reinforce organized rugby pathways for our Indigenous youth, to understand and adhere to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action with respect to sport. It takes hard work of relationship building.”

“Thunder Rugby encourages all to enjoy, participate and attend any of the Indigenous Day celebrations across the country! Our path to reconciliation is through understanding, so take the opportunity,” said Lyall. “I’m looking forward to celebrating, singing and enjoying an Indigenous taco! From the west coast, Hy’chka – Gilakas’la – Kleco Kleco.”

Learn more about Rugby Canada’s Community Rugby Fund HERE.

To learn more about National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day, click on the resources below:

About National Indigenous History Month
About National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation