Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day as we support our First Nations in their struggles for freedom and equality.

There are a number of investigations underway against the RCMP into the killings of at least 25 Indigenous men, and women, in the last three years, records show.

Ceremonies are to be held for Rodney Levi, 48, who was fatally shot by the New Brunswick RCMP and Chantel Moore, 25, who was killed by an officer from the Edmundston Police Dept. They are the most recent victims of police shootings since June 4.

The New Brunswick shootings have prompted calls for a separate, independent inquiry and an overhaul of policing in the province, where the minister of Aboriginal affairs has already said there is a problem with systemic racism.

The gunfire have become part of a broader international discussion about police brutality and racism, which has gained prominence since police in Minnesota were filmed in the death of George Floyd, who was kneeled on for more than eight minutes by an officer on May 25, which sparked marches and anti-police demonstrations worldwide.

National Indigenous Peoples Day was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through a Proclamation declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day.

“This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples,” according to the federal government.

The groups share many similarities, but they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

Many people recall in horror that 150,000 Indigenous children were removed and separated from their families and communities to attend residential schools. While most of the 139 Indian Residential Schools ceased to operate by the mid-1970s, the last federally-run school closed in the late 1990s.

In May 2006, the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement was approved by all parties to the Agreement. The implementation of the Settlement Agreement began in September 2007 with the aim of bringing a fair and lasting resolution to the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools