June is National Indigenous History Month—a time for reflection, education, and celebration. Across Canada, people are encouraged to learn more about the diverse cultures, traditions, and lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. It is a month to honour the stories, achievements, and enduring strength of Indigenous communities, who have lived on this land since time immemorial.

June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day

This important day offers an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural diversity, strength, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across the country. Communities throughout Northwestern Ontario and beyond will host events, gatherings, and educational activities to mark the day.

Take a look at some of the events taking place across our region:

Acknowledging the Land We Work On

Recently FIREFLY updated its land acknowledgement. Please find below both the full version as well as the brief version:

Full Version

At FIREFLY, we express our deep gratitude and respect for the traditional territories of the many Indigenous peoples across Ontario. We honour the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and enduring connections that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have to the lands and waters that surround us. We also recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Indigenous children, youth, and families, whose strengths and resilience continue to enrich our communities.

At the same time, we acknowledge the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous families and children, including the devastating legacy of residential schools. We take responsibility for addressing these injustices and remain committed to walking alongside Indigenous communities with humility, integrity, and care.

Rooted in Northwestern Ontario, our work extends to communities across the province. We are thankful for the privilege to live and work on these lands and are dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities—built on respect, equity, and a shared commitment to reconciliation.

FIREFLY approaches this work with heart—bringing dedication, empathy, and respect to all that we do. We believe in empowerment, celebrating the strengths of those we serve and supporting their growth and confidence. Relationships are at the core of our work, and we value connection, collaboration, and understanding as essential to building strong and resilient communities.

As we move forward, we hold these truths in our hearts and embrace our shared responsibility to create a better future—one that reflects Healthy People, Resilient Families, and Vibrant Communities.

Brief Version

At FIREFLY, we acknowledge the traditional territories of many Indigenous peoples across Ontario. We honour the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and the enduring connections of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples to these lands and the waters that surround us. We are committed to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, grounded in humility, respect, equity, and reconciliation, as we work alongside families to create healthy, resilient futures.