Honouring Indigenous Ceremonies on Canada Day

Grow Native Halton is supporting House of Commons Petition e-6690, which calls on the Government of Canada to ensure Indigenous ceremonies and Elder-led openings are included in Canada Day celebrations across the country.

This petition is one concrete way we can help advance Truth and Reconciliation, and uphold treaty obligations.

Sign the Petition

It takes about two minutes. After signing, watch for the confirmation email and click the link inside so your signature counts.

What Petition e-6690 is Asking For

Petition e-6690 asks the federal government to provide national guidance so that federally supported Canada Day celebrations:

Indigenous-Led Ceremonies First

Canada Day events should begin with ceremonies led by Elders and Knowledge Keepers — such as sacred fires, tobacco offerings, or other local protocols — grounding the day in respect, reflection, and relationship.

Honouring Treaty Land and Relationships

Recognizing that Canada exists on treaty land reinforces our responsibilities in nation-to-nation relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the Crown, reminding us that these agreements are living commitments.

Advancing Reconciliation and UNDRIP

Centering Indigenous protocol aligns Canada Day with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and Canada’s obligations under UNDRIP, moving our celebrations toward justice, truth, and shared responsibility.

Visibility for Indigenous Protocols and Peoples

Making Indigenous protocols visible in public celebrations creates space for all Canadians to learn, reflect on history, and celebrate a country that includes and honours First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Canada Day events often take place on lands where treaties were signed and where Indigenous communities have lived since time immemorial. Beginning with Indigenous-led ceremony is a small but meaningful step toward respect and relationship, rather than erasure.

Why Grow Native Halton Supports This Petition

At Grow Native Halton, we work to restore native plants and ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and challenge the idea that land is just a backdrop for development. This work is deeply connected to Indigenous teachings about land, water, and responsibility.

Supporting Petition e-6690 is one way we can:

Stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples who are leading calls for ceremony, presence, and visibility in public spaces.
Help shift national celebrations away from a one-sided story toward a more honest and inclusive narrative.
Encourage municipal and community organizers in Halton to build relationships with local Indigenous communities when planning July 1 events.

This is not about speaking for Indigenous Peoples. It is about listening to Indigenous leadership and using our voices to support their calls for change.

Spread the Word

After you sign, please consider sharing the petition link with your networks:

Thank you for taking a few minutes to add your voice.