June is National Indigenous History Month

Hello 4207 Members,

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a meaningful time to honour and celebrate the rich heritage, resilience, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

This month offers us all important opportunities to:

Learn about diverse Indigenous cultures and languages
Acknowledge the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism
Celebrate Indigenous excellence in all aspects of our lived experience, for example in areas such as arts, governance, science, and environmental stewardship
 Support Indigenous-led initiatives and voices

Whether through community events, storytelling, film, literature, music, or education, taking time to participate, reflect and engage helps foster a deeper understanding and creates space for deep reflection regarding reconciliation and calls to action. Here are some meaningful ways you can participate in and celebrate

National Indigenous History Month:

1. Learn from Indigenous Voices

Read books by Indigenous authors like Thomas King, Cherie Dimaline, Richard Wagamese, or Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.
Watch films or documentaries such as: We Were Children (residential schools) Beans (Oka Crisis) The Grizzlies (Inuit youth resilience) Wind River (MMIWG)
Listen to podcasts like: This Place (CBC), Métis in Space Unreserved (CBC Radio)

2. Acknowledge the Land

Learn about the traditional territory you live on using tools like Native Land Digital.
Practice land acknowledgements genuinely, not just as a formality.

3. Support Indigenous Creators & Businesses

Shop from Indigenous-owned businesses, artists, and clothing designers.
Follow and share Indigenous content creators on social media to help amplify their voices.

4. Attend Events & Ceremonies

Join local or virtual events for National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21, 2025).
Participate in cultural workshops, powwows, art exhibitions, or storytelling circles.

5. Educate Yourself & Others

Take a free online course: “Indigenous Canada” from the University of Alberta (Coursera) “The Path” from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Host a learning session in your workplace or community.

6. Support Reconciliation & Justice

Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
Support efforts around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

7. Learn About Indigenous Communities and Indigenous Organizations in the Niagara Region.