(Sault Ste. Marie, ON June 22, 2020)
Today, in keeping with COVID-19 restrictions, a small group gathered at Sault College for a flag raising ceremony in honour of National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Through traditional prayer and inspirational speeches, the group commemorated this important day and the outstanding contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. To view today’s flag raising ceremony, visit the Sault College Facebook page.
Indigenous People’s Day, June 21, was first celebrated in 1996, after it was proclaimed that year by then Governor General of Canada Roméo LeBlanc. This day was selected for many reasons, including its cultural significance as the Summer solstice and it is a day on which many Indigenous groups traditionally celebrate their heritage.
Sault College is proud to foster and encourage an understanding and appreciation of the histories, culture and traditions of Indigenous peoples. The College’s commitment to advancing Indigenous education is strong and is embedded into the fabric of our College values and overarching goals. The College continues its important work in this area and remains committed to moving forward in a spirit of trust, collaboration and reconciliation.
“I am humbled to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding contributions and cultures of Canada’s Indigenous peoples through today’s ceremony,” said Dr. Ron Common, President Sault College. “Our College is strongly committed to creating an environment that encourages openness and inclusivity. Today and every day we will celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and remain committed to reinforcing a culture of inclusion, acceptance and understanding,” he added.
About Sault College
The vision of Sault College is to provide a transformative life experience through empowering those who study with us to think and learn in progressive, innovative ways, including those we have not yet imagined. Sault College grants Ontario College certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates, and degrees to its graduates. The College is the largest deliverer of apprenticeship training in all of Northern Ontario. Sault College has a significant economic impact on the community, with spin-offs in excess of $158 million. Over $2 million dollars in scholarships, bursaries and awards are distributed annually to students at the College. Located on the border to the United States and situated in the middle of three of the largest Great Lakes on the planet, in the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe, Sault College is one of 24 publicly-funded colleges in the province of Ontario.