FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APR. 22, 2022

Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. —June 21 marks the 25th annual recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day. The day was first created back in 1996. However, 25 years later, no further action has been taken to formalize this day.  

Due to the lack of action from the federal government to mark June 21 as an official statutory holiday, WISH has decided to officially recognize the day as an additional paid holiday within our organization.  

Although there is still much work to be done, WISH has taken this step as part of our ongoing commitment to recognize and honour the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. 

We continue to call on the federal government to officially recognize June 21 as a statutory holiday. Decolonization is key. We can only move forward if Indigenous peoples can prosper.  

Canada still has a long way to go when it comes to justice recognition and reconciliation. We need to do better. We stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples.