Indigenous drummers wearing traditional clothes playing for Indigenous day celebrations

Come together to celebrate Indigenous culture

It’s time to reunite and celebrate. From drive-by bannock to live performances, we’ve always found a way to connect. This year, we’re excited to be supporting our northern Indigenous partners as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and Nunavut Day on July 9.

 

Say hello on June 21. Here’s how we are celebrating on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

From kitchen to community, the Northwestel team will be in attendance in Whitehorse at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, serving you a feast of stew and Grandma Treesaw’s famous bannock. Bring your family and friends and catch music, cultural performances, and find a gift at the Indigenous arts market. In Yellowknife, we’ll be at the fish fry at the Sombe K’e Civic Plaza. Hosted by the North Slave Métis Alliance, the Northwestel team will be returning to serve up and support the annual fish fry. Come down for the afternoon, enjoy live performances, and browse handmade arts and crafts from local Indigenous artisans.

Highlights from past National Indigenous Day celebrations.

Making of traditional bannock Making of traditional bannock Barbequing Salmon for the celebration of National Indigenous Day Northwestel team volunteering for National Indigenous Day indigenous art crafts on a table in display for Indigenous People DayNorthwestel team volunteering for National Indigenous Day

 

Celebrate Nunavut Day on July 9.

In celebration of Nunavut Day and the ingeniousness of Nunavummiut, we’re again hosting a Nunavut Day DIY contest! Simply add a photo of your innovative creation in the comments section here. Then get your friends and family to Like your photo.

Stay tuned! Full contest details will be available on our Facebook page

Highlights from past DIY contests.

Girl holding DIY art piece Two elder indigenous woman and a child showing off their DIY clothing DIY doll made out of seal fur

 

Listen, learn, and reflect.

This month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, culture, and achievements of Indigenous Peoples across our northern home and Canada-wide. Recognition and resiliency are just a few of the words Don Antoine uses to describe the importance of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Take a look back at our interview with Don from Northwestel’s Government Relations team: read our interview with Don

Portrait of Don from Northwestel’s Government Relations team

 

Recommit to reconciliation

All of us at Northwestel acknowledge and recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day as an opportunity for us to listen and learn how we can better serve the many Indigenous communities across the North. We need to continue our commitment to our principles of reconciliation, including committing to the principles of consultation, increasing Indigenous employment, and ensuring all employees have access to Indigenous-led education on the North’s history. We acknowledge the Indigenous government support we have received and commit to moving forward in consultation and collaboration with local communities and governments. To all our Indigenous partners, northern communities, and customers, we say thank you and happy National Indigenous Peoples Day.