How you can celebrate National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour the history, heritages, cultures, and ways of life of Indigenous Peoples across the land that we now call Canada. It is a time to recognize the strength and resilience of the cultures, diversity, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

This month is for everyone to learn about, reflect on, and celebrate Indigenous Peoples, the traditional stewards of the lands and waters we have the privilege to live on. National Indigenous Peoples Day, which takes place on the summer solstice, June 21st, is an opportunity for Indigenous Peoples to come together and celebrate their cultures and heritages on the longest day of the year.

Histories of the Indigenous Peoples of this land teach us so much – such as about the intersections of our experiences across Turtle Island and the reality of how Canada came to be as it is today. Perhaps one of the greatest lesson we can learn is about the resiliency of Indigenous Peoples, and how this has prevailed over centuries and through to today, despite the horrific legacy of colonialism that continues to have a stronghold, hence the importance of celebrating National Indigenous History Month.

During the month we acknowledge and honour the vibrant cultures and communities that continue to flourish despite the threat of oppression.

Below are some suggestions on ways you can celebrate and honour the month with your family and friends:

 

  1. Learn more: Use this month to learn something maybe you never knew about the land on which we live, the agreements between settlers and Indigenous peoples that are treaties, and the history behind it all – a great timeline from Indigenous perspectives can be found here. Watch this educational video for children explaining the history and significance of the month. Also learn more here about the work of the Indigenous communities we work alongside to advance the rights of Indigenous children in Canada.
  2. Reflect: Sometimes hard but healthy conversations are necessary, especially around colonialism and reconciliation. Use this time to have these conversations with family and friends. Even involve little ones in a child-friendly way. Check out a story read by Waubgeshig Rice, here, teaching children the power of kindness, which can be a great start to having a child-friendly conversation around the history of colonialism and our move toward reconciliation.
  3. Take Action: Participate in the Next 150 Challenge which offers plenty of ways to contribute to reconciliation.
  4. Read: Check out some of these books by Indigenous authors or illustrators:

For kids:

For adults:

This list is just the beginning. There are so many ways to learn from and celebrate Indigenous histories, traditions, and practices during June and also year round.