The City of Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, is inviting residents to a National Indigenous Peoples’ Day gathering on Saturday, June 20, 2026, ahead of the 30th anniversary of the nationally recognized day on June 21. The event will celebrate Indigenous culture and heritage through contributions from community members and local partners.
The gathering comes one year after Mount Pearl officially renamed its June holiday to National Indigenous Peoples Day (Observed). The decision, announced at a city council meeting on June 10, 2025, was made in consultation with the First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre and supports Call for Change 20 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Because the province still sets the June holiday on the Monday closest to June 24, the city is holding this community event on June 20 to bring the celebration closer to the official date.
Mayor Dave Aker said the renaming and ongoing events reflect Mount Pearl’s commitment to decolonizing municipal practices and promoting Indigenous perspectives. “This change reflects our dedication to decolonizing municipal practices and promoting Indigenous perspectives,” Aker said in 2025. “It’s a meaningful step forward in our journey toward reconciliation and inclusivity.”
Mount Pearl’s reconciliation efforts also include signing a Declaration in Support of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on September 17, 2024, in partnership with First Light, and unveiling a mural by Mi’kmaw artist Melissa M. Francis at Centennial Park in November 2025. The mural honours Mi’kmaq presence across time, land, and generations.
The June 20 gathering offers residents a chance to learn about and celebrate Indigenous traditions in their own community. For more information, residents can follow the City of Mount Pearl’s Facebook page.
