June 2, 2026
CCR Statement on National Indigenous History Month
National Indigenous History Month is a time to reflect on truth, responsibility, and our shared obligations to Indigenous Peoples and to the lands we live and work on.
The Canadian Council for Refugees recognizes that refugees, immigrants, and other newcomers arrive and settle on the traditional and unceded territories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. In line with CCR’s Guiding Statement on Indigenous Peoples and commitments to Truth and Reconciliation, we affirm that newcomers have a responsibility to learn about, respect, and engage with Indigenous histories, treaties, rights, and ongoing struggles for justice and self-determination.
Meaningful reconciliation requires more than acknowledgement. It calls for ongoing learning, truth-telling, accountability, and relationship-building guided by Indigenous communities. We commit to working with our members to strengthen education, awareness, and respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and to call on all levels of government and civil society to fully implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
Colonialism, displacement, systemic discrimination, and genocide continue to shape the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, refugees, and migrants in interconnected ways. These shared realities call on us to resist division and strengthen solidarity across movements for justice.
Across the country, more than 200 organizations are preparing for a national Week of Action (June 14–20), leading into World Refugee Day. This moment invites reflection on how challenging rising anti-immigrant and anti-refugee rhetoric can advance a vision rooted in dignity, justice, and collective care for all peoples in Canada including Indigenous Peoples.
As we mark this month and move toward National Indigenous Peoples Day, we invite communities and organizations to uplift Indigenous voices, leadership, and struggles for justice—this day and every day.