Every June we take the time to both celebrate Indigenous community and history while also reaffirming our commitment to righting the wrongs of the past and moving forward in partnership with Indigenous Peoples in a spirit of respect, reconciliation and collaboration.
Looking for a place to start? The Government of Canada’s learning portal provides access to various resources to learn more about Indigenous history, languages, cultures and experiences. This learning material is Indigenous created or co-created.
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Beyond education and reflection, the purpose of National Indigenous History Month is to cultivate opportunities to learn more about the multifaceted and unique cultures, traditions and experiences of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada. And there’s no better way to learn about a culture than by experiencing it through the perspectives of those who live it. Uplifting Indigenous voices is a foundational aspect of National Indigenous History Month. That’s why this month – and every month – it’s important to make an intentional effort to enjoy and support Indigenous artists, storytellers and communities.
For countless generations, many Indigenous communities in Canada have celebrated the summer solstice, which occurs on or around June 21. In recognition of this, Canada has also declared June 21 to be National Indigenous Peoples Day. Whether it’s the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration in Vancouver, Alberta Métis Fest in Edmonton, the National Indigenous Peoples History Month Event in Calgary, the National Indigenous Peoples Day Event in Regina, a screening of Lii Michif Niiyanaan: We Are Métis in Saskatoon or the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration & Barbeque in Winnipeg, there are vibrant and exciting local Indigenous-led events occurring nation-wide both on National Indigenous Peoples Day and all throughout June.
Reconciliation is an ongoing commitment – and part of that commitment lies in uplifting and celebrating Indigenous voices and culture, not only in June but all year long.
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