Honoring National Indigenous Peoples Day
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY SESSION
Open to all students/all programs
June 22 | 9:00am –10:00am PT
Opening Prayer: Phillip Gladue
Guest of Honour: Akina
Registration is not required but is highly encouraged
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84381152029
******************************************************
National Indigenous Peoples Day is observed on June 21st, a time to recognize and honour the heritage, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. As part of this year’s Counselling & Coaching Symposium theme, we are dedicating space on June 22nd to reflect on the importance of truth and reconciliation, and to celebrate Indigenous culture through learning and meaningful engagement.
During this session, through her personal perspective and musical performances, Akina will share the importance of honouring Indigenous peoples and reflecting on our responsibilities in the ongoing process of reconciliation.
June 21st—and every day—calls on us to remember the injustices of colonization and what was taken from those who lived here long before us. This year, let us recommit to listening, learning, and taking action—together.
******************************************************
About Phillip Gladue:
Phillip Gladue is a respected Métis Elder from Alberta who was raised in the traditional way. Phillip is proud of his Métis-Cree culture and the fact that he never lost his language while he was growing up. Phillip likes to jig, drum and sing. He was awarded the Queens Jubilee Medal and has been a candidate for the Vancouver Aboriginal Awards.
Phillip works with the Abbotsford, Maple Ridge and Langley School Districts and currently sits on the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, Child and Family Services in Langley, and the Forensic Psychiatric Services in Port Coquitlam. He is married to Betty Gladue and is the father of three daughters and a grandfather to a grandson and a granddaughter.
Phillip teaches traditional knowledges and oral and Métis history, leads opening ceremonies and land acknowledgements and supports the education of learners of all ages.
About Akina:
Akina, a Cree singer, made history by performing O Canada in Cree at an NHL game on February 3, 2007—the first time the anthem was sung in an Indigenous language at a major league sporting event. She has since performed at prestigious venues across Canada and for dignitaries, including the Lieutenant Governor of Canada and past Alberta premiers.
Her Cree rendition of O Canada is available on all streaming platforms and has received national recognition. She has performed with Revv52, sung backup for Michael Bublé in Calgary, and once joined Emmylou Harris’ band on stage.
Akina sings with her band, Akina & the Wolf, and participated in a Nashville songwriting workshop with Gretchen Peters (Independence Day) and Don Schlitz (The Gambler). She also recorded a Cree CD for Alberta Education’s Social Studies Curriculum. Through her music, she continues to celebrate and promote Indigenous culture.