The NFU Celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

Saskatoon, SK — On June 21st, National Indigenous Peoples Day, the NFU joins people from across the country to uplift and celebrate the cultures, contributions and struggles of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous peoples in Canada. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of spirit and the commitment of Indigenous peoples to sharing this land with us and protecting the biodiversity we all depend on as the basis for our farms and food systems. We recognize that, in order to realize the NFU’s vision of ‘strong communities, sustainable farms and sound policies’ we must build strong and long-lasting relationships with one another.

Relationship building can be difficult work. This is why it is important for us to honour the NFU’s Indigenous members, friends and partners. It is also important for those of us who are not Indigenous to be open to learning from Indigenous peoples. The NFU’s Indigenous Solidarity Working Group has been established to extend and deepen our understanding of Indigenous relationships to the land and the on-going history of Canada so that we can better act in solidarity with Indigenous peoples for Indigenous lands and treaties.

As farmers, we understand that we share common ground with Indigneous peoples who are protecting the land and the water for sustainable use, today and for future generations. As treaty people and people living on Indigenous territory, we have a joint responsibility to uphold the original agreements settlers made with sovereign Indigenous nations. This includes protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples to practice their food and governance systems without interference, and to protect the health of their lands, territories, and communities. 

This Indigenous Peoples Day we reaffirm our commitment to act in solidarity and fight for a better world, together.