Honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day: Reflections from Steel River Group

Every year on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day offers us a powerful opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples across Canada. 

At Steel River Group, this day holds deep meaning. As an Indigenous-owned company, it reminds us not only of the importance of honouring these stories, but of our responsibility to help share them. 

This year, our team came together to mark NIPD 2025 by creating a short video. While simple in its format, it carried a big message, one of unity, culture, and community. 

As we collaborated across departments and experiences, the process became deeply personal. Some of us spoke about the importance of visibility, recognizing how much progress has been made in just the past few decades. 

“Fifteen years ago, you might not have seen the kind of representation that you see now. Today, we have doctors, lawyers, artists... There may still be more work to do, but it’s also important to recognize how far we’ve come.” - Brandon

Others reflected on the emotional connection to culture and family that this day brings. 

“What NIPD means to me is that I feel closer to my family and closer to my culture on that day... and to myself, my true self.” - Amanda

Throughout the video, a shared theme emerged: this day is not only about the past, it’s about the future. 

“Indigenous people have a future in Canada. We have a future in business, in politics, in the arts. And that makes me really excited for what’s to come.” - Alyssa

Our goal wasn’t to speak over Indigenous voices, it was to listen, support, and uplift them. We approached this project with intention: to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day as a celebration of resilience, a commitment to continued learning, and a call to action for reconciliation. 

Many of our team members shared how important this day is as a moment of education, especially for non-Indigenous communities. 

“It’s an opportunity to start breaking down deeply ingrained myths and stereotypes that have held our society back for so long. And as we continue to learn, we can stand in solidarity.” - Madison

In these reflections, we were reminded that Indigenous cultures in Canada span back tens of thousands of years, far beyond the scope of colonial history. 

“Canadian history is only a small part of Indigenous history. I look forward to Indigenous futures, which will span so much further than what we know is capable today.” - Wacey

This day is also a chance to celebrate the richness of Indigenous art, language, and cultural expression. Canada is home to over 70 Indigenous languages, and Indigenous artists continue to shape the cultural fabric of this country, through painting, dance, film, beadwork, fashion, and more. 

“I’d like people to take a moment to appreciate the diverse culture and art that Calgary has for our many Indigenous tribes.” - Rachel

In a few powerful minutes, our video captured what NIPD means to each of us, from personal identity and family to national pride and hope for the future. 

“National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to learn about Indigenous cultures of the First Nations, the Métis, and the Inuit. It’s a time for us to educate ourselves in the beauty of the culture, the art, the language, the values, the land, and the people.” - Deanna

We’re proud of what we created together—and even more proud of the conversations it continues to spark. 

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day, from all of us at Steel River Group