The Ontario Native Women’s Association sings and drums at the University of Ottawa’s Indigenous Garden to celebrate the summer solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Not only is the summer solstice the longest day of the year, but it also marks the beginning of summer and holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities.
Across Canada, the summer solstice coincides with National Indigenous Peoples Day. Held every year on June 21, this day is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate and learn about the cultures, stories and traditions of Indigenous Peoples.
On Friday, June 20, our staff and physicians celebrated with members of The Ottawa Hospital’s Indigenous Employee Network, the Ontario Native Women’s Association, not-for-profit services provider Tungasuvvingat Inuit, CHEO and the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine.
A special shoutout to the many students from CHEO’s kindergarten program who joined us that morning. It was an occasion marked across generations, and one that many of us will remember for a long time to come.
The Ontario Native Women’s Association leads a round dance, a ceremony that brings people together to heal and celebrate life.
Algonquin Elder Verna McGregor (middle), from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, shares Medicine Wheel teachings.
The qulliq is an Inuit oil lamp often made of soapstone and traditionally used for cooking, drying wet clothes, melting ice, boiling water and providing light and warmth.
Cameron Love (right), President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital, chats with Inuk Elder Reepa Evic-Carleton (left).
The Ontario Native Women’s Association table showcases drums and strawberry-themed sewing crafts.
For bringing this celebration to life, we would like to offer our warmest thanks to The Ottawa Hospital’s Indigenous Employee Network, the Ontario Native Women’s Association, Tungasuvvingat Inuit, CHEO, the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Algonquin Elder Verna McGregor and Inuk Elder Reepa Evic-Carleton!
