Honourable senators, I rise today during National Indigenous History Month to celebrate, honour and reflect on the rich history, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people from across Canada.

Since 2009, Canadians from coast to coast to coast have used the month of June to celebrate the vibrant and thriving cultures that Indigenous communities contribute to this country. Part of that recognition is honouring how Indigenous knowledge, creativity and wisdom serve as invaluable assets to the nation’s wealth and heritage.

Indigenous contributions in the field of art, science, education, politics and even policing have helped shape our country for the better and add to the effort to bring the intent of truth and reconciliation from a political promise to a reality.

Not long ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the raising of an Indigenous totem pole and a Haida flag at the Queen Charlotte RCMP detachment in my province of British Columbia. Incidentally, or maybe not, in July of 2022 Queen Charlotte had its historical and ancestral Haida name restored and is now formally recognized in British Columbia and across Canada as Daajing Giids.

This guardian totem pole is adorned with the various pieces of symbolism describing the traditional crests of the village, their mutual respect for two-spirited people, a recognition that the territory is the ancestral home of the Haida and that the Haida regard the RCMP as the watchmen and guardians of their people. As part of this ceremony, a traditional potlatch was held, complete with gifts and a salmon feast for over 400 guests, bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from the entire community. At the time of colonization, until 1951, holding a potlatch to mark a historic event was punishable by imprisonment.

The notorious Kamloops Indian Residential School is, sadly, also in my province, a stark reminder that this month is not only about celebrating Indigenous culture; it is also an opportunity to renew our collective commitment to the real meaning of reconciliation and to build a future relationship that respects and protects the rights and dignity of all Indigenous peoples.

From the Inuit in the northern territories to the Mi’kmaq of Atlantic Canada, to the Haida in British Columbia and every nation in between, the abundance and diversity of Indigenous communities in Canada are some of the things that make this country so great.

During National Indigenous History Month and throughout the year, we should recognize and support their contribution to the richness of this land we now call Canada.

Thank you, meegwetch, háw’aa.