(Updated post from 2022)

In case you didn’t know, June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada! We’re encouraging everyone to read books by Indigenous authors and get out to celebrate the diversity of Indigenous cultures across this country.

Here are some other suggestions for you to make the most of Indigenous History Month.

LEARN

The University of Alberta’s Indigenous Canada course explores the experiences, histories, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples as well as Indigenous-settler relations. This is a free, 12-lesson course, and it’s been highly praised by individuals like Dan Levy!

Attend a free informative online event: Life After the Sixties Scoop, Bannock + Books: 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, Indigenous Learning - Two-Spirit Pride.

Read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. Check up on the status of the Calls to Action.

Read books written by Indigenous individuals: you can find a master list of book suggestions on our blog.

Check your local library not only for book suggestions but also for educational resources and Indigenous History Month events.

DONATE

2-Spirit Collective: provides support for Indigenous youth who identify as 2-spirit or LGBTQ+.

Art for Aid: supports art and cultural education programs through access to quality supplies, awareness and fundraising efforts.

Canadian Roots Exchange: a youth-led organization that provides programs, grants and opportunities grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Indian Residential School Survivors’ Society: provides support to Residential School Survivors in BC.

Indspire: invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples with the goal of increasing the graduation rates for Indigenous students. 

Legacy of Hope Foundation: aims to educate and create awareness and understanding about the Residential School System, including the intergenerational impacts.

Native Women’s Association of Canada: promotes the well-being of Indigenous women within their respective communities across Canada.

Reconciliation Canada: aims to revitalize the relationships between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.

True North Aid: supports Indigenous peoples in northern and remote communities in Canada.

Water First: helps Indigenous communities address local water challenges.

FOLLOW

Here are some Indigenous creators you should consider following:

Autumn Peltier is an activist and the Chief Water Commissioner for Anishinabek Nation.

Nikita Kahpeaysewat is a storyteller and environmental scientist.

Sarain Fox is an activist and artist who is currently fundraising for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Scott Wabano creates content for youth, “specifically for Indigenous, Two-Spirit, and Indigiqueer youth”.

Shina Novalinga is a throat singer who has gone viral on TikTok.

ENJOY

imagineNATIVE features Indigenous-made films. For National Indigenous History Month, they’re giving free access to Indigenous films: one per week. They also have a whole archive of films, some of which are free and others which can be rented.

Looking for a new way to move your body? Try a Powwow Fit class on YouTube with James @notoriouscree. You can also learn how to do Powwow dances live online with Nyla Carpentier.

We’re also pretty excited about the opening of Kekuli Cafe Kamloops, which serves Indigenous food! They also have locations in Merritt and Kelowna BC, so if you’re in the area, treat yourself to some delicious food. 

Attend a local pow wow! Here are some handy do's and do not's for those first-timers!

Check out some Indigenous musicians. Here’s a Spotify playlist of Indigenous music from the Banff Centre.

SUPPORT

There are plenty of Indigenous entrepreneurs you can support this month! In some of our past boxes, we’ve featured Cheekbone Beauty, Skwalwen Botanicals, and Yukon Soap Company. You can find the full list of featured Indigenous businesses on our blog.

Support local Indigenous-owned bookstores like Iron Dog Books.

And of course, you can learn and support Indigenous peoples through Raven Reads subscription boxes. We are so grateful for your continuous support!

 

Photo credit: CanadianPowWows.ca