National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21st, 2022

In recognition of the 25th Anniversary of Indigenous Peoples Day, we are also celebrating the beginning of International Decade of Indigenous Languages from 2022-2032 as declared by the United Nations.

This follows the 2019 International Year of indigenous Languages aimed at drawing global attention to the preservation, revitalization and promotion of these languages.  The decade will focus on taking pride in the linguistic diversity and multilingualism of the Indigenous peoples while ensuring that their right to preserve and promote their languages are continued to be respected.

Today, we’re highlighting three exceptional Northwest Coast artists Lyle Wilson (Haisla), Corrine Hunt (Kwakwaka’waka and Tlingit) and Gwaai Edenshaw (Haida) who take great pride in incorporating their Indigenous languages into the collections they create for the Gallery.

“On Earth Day, April 22, 2022 the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, Canada Council for the Arts and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society joined forces to host the Canadian launch of the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages. The morning of this uplifting, hope focused, intergenerational gathering began with beautiful cultural protocols, a powerful message from Her Excellency Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and Patron of the RCGS. Hosted by RCGS Honorary President Chief Perry Bellegarde participants attending in person, and via livestream, were gifted the experience of witnessing the inspiring cultural sharing of message through music by Mi’kmaq singers Emma Stevens, Métis fiddler Zachary Willier and Inuk-Mohawk singer/songwriter Beatrice Deer.” – Canadian Geographic

We welcome you to take a deeper dive of discovery as the next 10 years unfold for Indigenous languages across this country and throughout the world.