The Significance of National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day, observed on June 21 in Canada, is a time to recognize, honour, and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, traditions, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the deep connection Indigenous peoples have with the land, waters, and all of creation, as well as the wisdom and teachings that have been passed down through generations.

This day also invites reflection on the experiences of Indigenous peoples, including the impacts of colonization, residential schools, discrimination, and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation and justice. It reminds all Canadians of the importance of listening, learning, and building respectful relationships based on understanding, dignity, and mutual respect.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is not only a celebration of Indigenous identity and resilience; it is also a call to recognize shared responsibilities in creating a future where Indigenous rights are honoured and where all peoples can walk together in healing, respect, and hope. 

It is with deep admiration and respect that I acknowledge the Indigenous and Metis peoples with whom I have been privileged to journey as we work together to proclaim TRUTH by facilitating the Kairos Blanket Exercise (KBE) together as well as providing other platforms for the Truth of the harms caused by colonization.

The resiliency of these wonderful peoples is admirable, and they certainly model a people who truly wish a better future for our world.

-Sister Kathleen Lichti, CSJ

World Refugee Day - June 20, 2026

World Refugee Day is observed globally on June 20 to honour the strength, courage, and resilience of individuals who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.  It is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their situations.

Ensuring protection for refugees strengthens communities, promotes stability, and saves lives.  This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Convention which is the international agreement that protects the rights of refugees.  This year’s theme is: “Until Everyone is Safe,” which means:

·        Governments to uphold fair and accessible asylum systems,

·        Donors to sustain life-giving support.

·        Communities to welcome those forced to flee,

·        Each of us to defend the principle that safety must never depend on nationality, wealth, race, religion, gender, political opinion or migration status.

This World Refugee Day, do your part by supporting the We’re Better Together network’s open letter and advocacy campaigns to defend asylum rights and build community-led sponsorship programs across Canada:  Week of Action – We're Better Together.

“Becoming a refugee is never a choice. But how we respond is.”  -António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations

-Sister Nancy Sullivan, CSJ

Image: Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash

World Oceans Day 2026

World Oceans Day is observed every year on June 8 to raise awareness about the importance of the ocean and the need to protect it. First proposed at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro by Canada’s International Centre for Ocean Development and the Ocean Institute of Canada, the day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008. It encourages people everywhere to support ocean health, sustainable resource use, and global efforts tied to the Sustainable Development Goals.

The 2026 theme is “Reimagine”, inviting us to rethink our relationship with the ocean. For too long, many of us have treated the ocean as something distant and separate from daily life, when in fact it shapes the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the climate that sustains us. The ocean covers more than 70% of Earth’s surface, produces at least half of the world’s oxygen, absorbs a significant share of carbon dioxide, feeds billions of people, and supports livelihoods around the globe. Reimagining our connection to the ocean means moving from appreciation to responsibility.

My mother was from Ireland and lived in three countries during her life. She was always drawn to holidays where she could stand at the water’s edge and put her feet in the ocean. She said it made her feel connected to her family in Ireland and Great Britain. That memory reminds me that the ocean is not only a natural resource; for many people, it is also a source of belonging, memory, and identity.

What kind of connection do you have to the ocean, and is it strong enough to inspire action in return for all that it gives us? Even if it is too late to plan a major event this year, it is never too late to learn more and make meaningful choices. You might support organizations that remove plastic from the water, protect marine life from abandoned fishing gear, or restore fragile habitats. You could host a sustainable seafood dinner, attend an educational event at a nature centre, reduce single-use plastics, or simply start conversations about why ocean protection matters. Every action, however small, helps bring us closer to a healthier future for our blue planet.

-Maureen Condon, csj Associate

Images: Andrzej Kryszpiniuk/ Shifaaz shamoon | Unsplash