Six Nations Statement on Canada Day 2021
Following the discoveries of unmarked graves at former residential school sites across the country, Six Nations will not be recognizing Canada Day on July 1st.
In lieu of celebrating, we encourage everyone to use July 1st as an opportunity to wear orange and to engage in a day of education and reflection on Canada’s legacy towards Indigenous peoples.
The confirmation of these unmarked graves is a stark reminder of the atrocities committed against Indigenous people throughout Canada’s history, and of the injustices that we continue to face today.
“Although people have many different reasons to celebrate being Canadian, we ask that they also acknowledge Canada’s colonial legacy and the effects it has had and continues to have on our people,” stated Elected Chief Mark Hill. “We ask that you take the opportunity on July 1st to stand in solidarity with us and reflect on what it means to be an Indigenous person in Canada.”
Six Nations will be hosting a virtual event to honour the children and survivors on Thursday, July 1st at Veteran’s Park in Ohsweken beginning at 10:30am. The event will be livestreamed to the Six Nations of the Grand River Facebook page. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, public health guidelines will be in place at the event. Attendees are encouraged to physical distance and wear a mask.
Community members are reminded that there are resources available to you if you are in need of support:
- Six Nations 24/7 Mobile Crisis Line: 519-445-2204 or 1-866-445-2204
- Six Nations Mental Health and Addictions: 519-445-2143 (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm)
- 24/7 National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419