Pictured above: iskwē | ᐃᐢᑫᐧᐤ (left) and Logan Staats

The North West Company was pleased to commemorate and join the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day by once again supporting APTN Indigenous Day Live (IDL).  

IDL is the largest annual celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, inviting Canadians everywhere to come together and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples through cultural and music performances.

On June 20, IDL 2021 paired Indigenous artists with Canadian music icons for a refreshing line-up of collaborations in English, French and Indigenous languages. With over 30 performers hailing from communities all over Turtle Island, IDL kick-started the summer with diverse cross-genre performances.

Hosts Earl Wood and Janelle Wookey led the milestone celebration, featuring performances by iskwē | ᐃᐢᑫᐧᐤ, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Tom Wilson, Neon Dreams, Julian Taylor, Charlotte Cardin and many more!

Pictured above: Snotty Nose Rez Kids (left) and Celeigh Cardinal

“We were so thrilled to have IDL return this year,” says APTN CEO Monika Ille. “After postponing IDL 2020, and later broadcasting our first-ever IDL Winter Solstice, it felt wonderful to connect with audiences across Canada and return to our roots in celebration of NIPD."

More than just the postponement of IDL 2020, this year’s celebration coincided with Manitoba’s delayed celebration of its 150th anniversary – a happy coincidence that provided all the more reason to celebrate.

This year, The North West Company was proud to partner with APTN Indigenous Day Live as an Affinity partner, contributing $10,000 to help make this celebration a success.

For more information on how to watch IDL 2021, please visit APTN Indigenous Day Live.