National Indigenous Peoples Day

Feathers of hope is a for youth, by youth non-profit organization. They are a community focused advocacy group who connect and empower First Nations youth across northern Ontario with each other, and individuals in leadership and government. As a movement, FOH amplifies young Indigenous voices and creates community and safe spaces where they can revitalize culture, identity, and belonging. To learn more, visit FOH here.

Starting as a campaign encouraging Indigenous youth to share stories of overcoming hardships, We Matter has grown into a national organization led by Indigenous Youth. Tackling challenges like suicide, addiction, and abuse, We Matter creates a forum to foster hope, positivity, and resilience. Watch a video by We Matter's founders here.

Founded by Roberta Jamieson, the first Indigenous woman to earn a law degree in Canada and the first woman appointed as Ontario Ombudsman, Indspire invests in the education of Indigenous peoples to for the long-term benefit of their families, communities, and Canada. They provide scholarships and bursaries, deliver programs, and share resources to increase post-secondary graduation rates and K-12 student success. Learn more here.

Pauktuutit represents Inuit women in Canada on a national scale. They provide awareness of the needs of Inuit women and advocate for equity and social improvements. They address and provide resources to combat a number of socioeconomic issues including abuse prevention and protection, transitional housing, sexual and maternal health, smoking cessation, food security, child care and early education. Their website has a number of free resources, including an urban resource guide for Inuit women. Learn more here.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) is a national voice for 65,000 Inuit across the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (a.k.a. Nunangat (NWT, NV, Northern QC, and Northern Labrador)), which encompasses a massive geographic region: 35% of Canada’s landmass and 50% of its coastline! ITK protects the rights and interests of Inuit in Canada through research, advocacy, outreach, and education. All of their work aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Inuit. Learn more here.

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) represents nearly one million people living in 634 First Nation communities, cities, and towns across Canada. First Nations leaders (i.e. Chiefs elected by their communities) from across the country direct AFNs work. These Chiefs elect a National Chief every three years. The Chiefs also elect Regional Chiefs. The AFN is a huge organization that develops policy regarding border crossing, economic development, sustainable education, environmental rights, the right to health and wellbeing, legal affairs, and much more. 

The Métis Nation, a distinct group of Indigenous peoples from the historic Northwest, are represented nationally and internationally by the Métis National Council (MNC). The MNC is made up of democratically elected government members from Canada's five westernmost provinces. The MNC advocates for the Métis Nation in several capacities, such as political; social; economic; and cultural development, and addressing global climate change. Learn more about their mission, events, and structure here.

Based in Saskatchewan, The Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI) is a centre for applied research into the renewal and development of Métis culture. GDI collects and creates and delivers educational programs and services. They publish an academic journal, host conferences, operate a virtual museum provide employment and skills training, and offer scholarships and bursaries. The Institute focuses heavily on educating urban Indigenous teachers. Learn more here.