Íâ¹úÃÀŮɫÇéƬ

June 21 is National Indigenous Persons Day – an opportunity for everyone in Canada to recognize and celebrate the unique cultures, voices, heritages and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

This special day was introduced by the Government of Canada in 1996 and coincides with the summer solstice, an occasion many Indigenous Peoples and communities celebrate. Not only is the summer solstice the longest day of the year, but it is also significant to many Indigenous Peoples as it symbolizes renewal, a new season of life and a chance to leave the past behind.

The Íâ¹úÃÀŮɫÇéƬ and the CWB Welding Foundation are committed to advancing the welding industry and all those who participate in it. This includes creating opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to learn and succeed in the trade, while also supporting their unique cultural considerations.

Since 2014, the CWB Welding Foundation has delivered over 75 welding programs and camps targeted to Indigenous participants. These include the Mind Over Metal™ Program, as well as Arx and Sparx, created in partnership with LNG Canada, in 2019. Indigenous-focused youth camps delivered with support from the CWB Foundation offer welding training that incorporates the traditions and practices unique to each local community. Elders from the local community are often present throughout the program to share traditions and ensure connection to the cultural context.  

Through CWB Education, we also support Indigenous-led post-secondary institutions, including Six Nations Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Institute of Technology, and Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre.

To learn more about Indigenous Peoples in Canada, you can visit: . The University of Alberta also offers a complimentary online program about Indigenous Canada through .ÌýÌý