June 21st marked the summer solstice and a culturally significant day – National Indigenous Peoples Day. In recognition of this day, Denise Marshall shares how important this day is, and reflects on her personal journey as an Indigenous woman.
Denise is a Recreation Support Worker and Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor with the CSFS Health Promotion and Physical Literacy Program. Her blood line has roots back to Ft. Chipewyan, Alberta, and her family is from Hay River and Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. Denise is a 60’s scoop baby who grew up in Whitehorse, Yukon after being adopted.
What does National Indigenous Peoples Day mean to you?
It’s a day of reflection for me. As I continue my healing journey of reconnecting with my Indigenous family and rediscovering our culture, I take time to pause and consider where I am in that journey, offering myself grace and encouragement. I honour my Indigenous ancestors through prayer and gratitude, while continuing to make peace with all that I missed out on. Though I was taken from my roots, I still feel those connections.
How do you celebrate this day?
I usually take part in the celebrations at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, where I volunteer with my daughter. It’s a meaningful way to be present in the community and honour the heritage of the land we live on.
This year, I spent the day boating and swimming on the traditional territory of Nadleh Whut’en near Fraser Lake. Having spent a lot of time working at Ormond Lake, it felt right to pause and celebrate on the land I’m honoured to spend so much time on.
What is one part of your culture, community, or identity that you feel proud of?
I’m proud to have learned from and been part of many Indigenous cultures throughout my life. I grew up immersed in the history and traditions of the Southern Tutchone, Tagish, and Tlingit peoples. Having lived for many years in Hazelton, I also recognize the Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en way of life. Today, I’m honoured to work with and learn from the Carrier people.
I’m also proud to have stayed on a good path in life and grateful to have reconnected with many relatives from my birth family. Not every adoptee has that opportunity. Through those connections, I’ve been able to reclaim a part of my identity.
Are there any Indigenous teachings, traditions, or values that have shaped who you are today?
In my family and hometown, I was always taught to pay attention and to learn from every moment – to give what I can, when I can and how I can, to care for elders, to listen to stories, to be kind and loving. Indigenous people have always lived that way, and we still do. We honour our ancestors by living true to our practices and by striving to keep a good spirit as we carry these teachings forward to the next generation.
What is a meaningful moment, memory, or experience you’ve had during Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations?
I recall a few years ago at the park, it rained heavily. As many of us tucked under coverings, a small group kept dancing in the rain. A large puddle formed in the centre of the grassy area, and they danced as water splashed around them. The pure joy and smiles on their faces brought tears to my eyes. That’s what it looks and feels like to be Indigenous – to dance freely no matter the conditions, to be joyful, and to show loudly in our way that we are still here.
What is something you would like Indigenous people to know or carry with them?
We are all doing our best, and that might look different every day and in different ways. If we move through life with our hearts leading the way and continue showing up for ourselves first, the rest begins to feel easier. We may have lost some of our Indigeneity over time, either as individuals or as a community. Now, it is our work as a collective to reclaim it and bring ourselves back to a place where we feel whole. That starts within ourselves: body, mind, spirit, and heart. From there, it extends into our homes, families, workplaces, and communities. It starts with us, and its impact will ripple throughout the entire Nation.