June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate the history, cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across the Northwest Territories and Canada.
At Physical Literacy NWT, we recognize that movement is more than just physical activity, it’s a way of knowing, connecting, and being. For Indigenous peoples, movement is deeply rooted in culture, ceremony, land-based practices, and intergenerational knowledge.
From traditional games and dance to hunting, paddling, and walking the land, movement has always been a part of Indigenous life, fostering resilience, community strength, and belonging.
On this day, we honour:
The strength of Indigenous youth, families, and leaders who carry forward these traditions
The ways in which communities are reclaiming space for culturally relevant physical activity
The knowledge keepers and elders who remind us that movement is not separate from spirit, language, or land
As we build physical literacy programs across the territory, our goal is to listen, learn, and support in a good way, creating environments where all children can move with joy, confidence, and cultural pride.
Mahsi cho to all who are walking, dancing, drumming, skating, biking, snowshoeing, and living with movement as a gift and a way forward.