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The theme of this year's event is resurgence. Resurgence means to reclaim, regenerate and reconnect one’s relationship with Indigenous homelands, culture and community.

Resurgence is a process rooted in the articulation and exercise of the inherent and inalienable rights of Indigenous peoples to be Indigenous in these lands, to practice self-determination and to enjoy all rights enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

Everyday acts of resurgence

Everyday acts of resurgence may include: 

For Indigenous Peoples

• embracing a daily existence conditioned by place-based cultural practices connecting to the land
• growing traditional foods
• speaking your language
• taking care of yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically
• honouring your ancestors
• decolonizing spaces
• the transmission of Indigenous culture, spiritual teachings and knowledge of the land between Elders and youth

For settlers and allies

• recognizing and affirming that the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples are now enshrined in law both provincially and federally
• deconstructing and eliminating all barriers preventing the full exercise and enjoyment of these rights
• decolonizing one’s own mind and practices, including refuting concepts such as the doctrine of discovery and longstanding notions of western cultural and religious superiority
• making space for Indigenous peoples
• better understanding of how violent colonization occurred and being cautious, aware and watchful of the ongoing presence of these ideas in our current society, institutions, laws and policies