June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. A time for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate Indigenous history, peoples, and cultures. During the month of June, we at TreeEra encourage everyone to learn more about the many outstanding contributions Indigenous Peoples have made and continue to make to our country.

June is National Indigenous History Month

In June, we commemorate National Indigenous History Month to recognize the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This month is a time to honor the distinct heritage, languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation. This year, National Indigenous History Month is dedicated to the missing children, the families left behind, and the survivors of residential schools.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day

On June 21, we show respect for the heritage, diverse cultures, outstanding achievements and immeasurable contributions made by First Nations, Inuit and Métis!

National Indigenous Peoples Day was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc. Originally named National Aboriginal Day, the Prime Minister announced the day would be renamed to National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2017.

Why June 21? For centuries, people have celebrated the arrival of the summer solstice. The summer solstice is the day of the year with the longest light. For many people, this day has spiritual significance, which is why it makes a great time to celebrate Indigenous peoples and cultures.

It is important to note that learning doesn’t end after today, it is a continuous process and journey.

5 facts you might not know about Indigenous Peoples in Canada:

There are three groups of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. They are First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
There are over 634 recognized Indigenous bands or governments in Canada. Roughly half of those are located in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.
In 1999, the first Indigenous television network in the world was launched, called The APTN or Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.
Canada’s national sport, hockey, was inspired by games played by First Nations people.
Indigenous people started the first rideshare service in Canada. Indigenous people left canoes for anyone traveling upriver. In turn, people traveling downriver left their canoes for others to use.

How to Celebrate National Indigenous History Month

The best way to celebrate National Indigenous History Month is to take the time to expand your knowledge to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the diverse cultures, voices, experiences, and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.

Read and understand important documents and stories involving the Indigenous community

TRC Calls to Action
Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry
Canadian Geographic Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada
The Canadian Encyclopedia – Indigenous Peoples
National Indigenous Peoples Day Learning and Activity Guide for Kids
The #IndigenousReads campaign encourages reconciliation by sharing literature written by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. View the recommended books from the #IndigenousReads 2021 campaign here

Canadian Geographic Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada

Listen to podcasts and audio clips about Indigenous history

Explore Indigenous Art

Film:

Music:

Snotty Nose Rez Kids

Buffy Sainte-Marie
Celeigh Cardinal
Digging Roots
Sandy Scofield
Snotty Nose Rez Kids
Want to listen to more Canadian Indigenous musicians? Check out The Sound of Canadian Indigenous playlist on Spotify and the Indigenous Music Development Program

Artists:

Become knowledgeable about the land you live on

Native-land.ca is a virtual tool that maps out Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages. Their goal is to encourage education and engagement on topics of Indigenous land—particularly, where you are located. Search your address and learn more about the land you live on by clicking here.

Learn a common phrases in Indigenous languages

The Government of Canada has put out a list of resources where you can find tools, courses, and other exercises for teaching and learning Indigenous languages. Explore those resources here.

Dr. Nadine Caron, Canada’s first female general surgeon of First Nations descent

Learn about Canadian Indigenous history-makers

5 Notable Indigenous Historical Figures
From artists and athletes to advocates and scientists, click here to learn more about inspiring Indigenous people who have helped shape Canadian history.

Support Indigenous People’s Rights Organizations

Canadian Feed The Children

Canadian Feed The Children works in 27 different Indigenous communities across Canada.

Reconciliation Canada

Reconciliation Canada is an Indigenous-led charitable organization with the goal of helping Canada become more vibrant and inclusive.

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) aims to build cultural understanding and create a path towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous Women’s Fund of Canada

The Indigenous Women’s Fund of Canada is a newly created national charity run by volunteers and staff of the Native Women’s Association of Canada.

The Good Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

Make connections with Indigenous communities in your area

Someone once said that “reading and donating is important, but in order to create lasting change and the way people really learn and become more accountable is through relationship building. You can read or buy all you want but if there isn’t a relationship with the community, it can only go so far”. We at TreeEra encourage everyone to seek out an Indigenous organization or business and volunteer their time. Put in the effort to actually make connections with your local Indigenous communities. We believe that connection is how we develop empathy and understanding that really lasts.

To join the conversation on social media, use the hashtag #NIHM2023.