In Canada, June marks National Indigenous History Month, a chance to discover more about the distinctive customs, cultures, and life experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. This is a time to celebrate the histories, accomplishments, and tenacity of the Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited this land for eons and whose influence is still felt as Canada changes.
In 2009, June was declared National Aboriginal History Month by the House of Commons. In 2017, the term was modified to National Indigenous History Month.
Through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day, the then-Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, declared National Aboriginal Day (now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day) in 1996.
This month provides an opportunity for reflection, education, and solidarity with Indigenous communities.
Each week throughout the month of June, we will be highlighting specific aspects of Indigenous history, cultures and perspectives:
June 1 to 9: Environment, traditional knowledge and territory
June 10 to 16: Children and youth
June 17 to 23: Languages, cultures and arts
June 24 to 30: Women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people
Here are a few ideas of how you can get involved and show your support:
Discover stories, traditions and cultures
Hearing from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people directly is the most effective approach to develop a deeper knowledge of their experiences. Read a book, go to a performance, see a movie, or listen to music created by Indigenous musicians to experience Indigenous storytelling.
Explore the past and honour the truth
Take the first steps on your educational journey by learning more about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Canada at https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013785/1529102490303
For additional information about Indigenous Peoples in Canada, significant historical occurrences, and reconciliation projects, you can download the Reconciliation: A Starting Point app to your smart device.
To find out more about the terrible legacy of residential schools, the experiences of Survivors and their families, and the 94 Calls to Action to begin the healing process, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Learn about the effects that racism and colonialism continue to have on the lives of Indigenous women and girls, as well as on their families and communities, by reading the documents from the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Learn more about present-day communities
To view the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities nearby as well as the ancestral land you currently occupy, look at the maps of Indigenous Peoples and lands. Learn more about the value of land acknowledgment and how to incorporate it into your daily life.
Learn more on how to get involved and how to celebrate National Indigenous History Month at https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1683124800202/1683124846095
References and photo credits to:
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/
https://www.halifax.ca/
