June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, and June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day.
This month expand your understanding of the rich cultures, traditions, and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
As a public post-secondary institution, we are responsible for advancing the work of Truth and Reconciliation through ongoing learning, reflection, and action. We invite you to engage in this important work by attending community events, exploring the work of Indigenous authors, watching films by Indigenous filmmakers, and more.
Take this month as an important opportunity to support Indigenous artists and creators while expanding your learning. Below, we’ve highlighted events and resources at ECU and in the broader community to celebrate the occasion.
Artwork by Carly Nabess
Instagram: @beadedhuckleberry
Website: www.carlynabess.com
ECU Events
June 5 – Indigenous Summer Market – The Aboriginal Gathering Place is hosting its annual summer market in honour of National Indigenous History Month. The event is free and features over 30 vendors, including artists and designers from the ECU community and the local Vancouver area.
June 1-30 – The Library team has created a Reading Room on the upper level of the library featuring a collection of books that are:
- By or about contemporary Indigenous artists who engage with history and art history,
- Are stories by Indigenous authors rooted within their culture and histories; or
- Are publications that directly examine history from the Indigenous perspective within so called Canada
For additional reading lists, check out the Indigenous Topics guide.
Attending
June 6 – V’ni Dansi: Métis Jigging & Music – Attend this unique dance performance by V’ni Dansi at the VPL Central Branch which showcases traditional and contemporary Métis culture through movement, music, and storytelling and learn a jig or two at the end of the event!
June 12 – The Stories We Tell: An Evening of Indigenous Storytelling – At this intimate event, authors and storytellers Norm Leech, Suzanne Steele, Mary Point, and Blue Sky will explore the traditions, memories, and lived experiences that connect past, present, and future.
June 20 – NDN Summer – the Birdhouse is hosting a fun drag show party in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, centring 2 Spirit, Indigiqueer and queer Indigenous people. Enjoy drag performances by LegallyVenus, Métis Two-Spirit winner of Canada’s Drag Race Season 4 and other queens, along with fabulous DJs, amazing food and beats all night long.
June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day – Block Party: The Carnegie Community Centre and the City of Vancouver are partnering for a fun and vibrant block party at the intersection of Main & Hastings. You can enjoy dynamic performances from Indigenous artists, explore cultural sharing activities, visit community organization tables and check out the Vendor Village.
June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration – Visit Grandview Park for a Celebration Walk and then a showcase of local Indigenous artists, performers and community.
Reading & Watching
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) offers a fantastic online collection of Indigenous-made films through their Indigenous Cinema section, which provides free streaming of more than 200 film titles.
Take a Decolonization Tour of specific artworks by Indigenous artists at UBC and discuss questions of place, space, and identity.
Learn more about whose territory you are on and what language is spoken by that Nation with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council interactive map.
The VPL has created an expansive guide to learn about Indigenous peoples in Canada, including websites, online reports, current programs, recommended books and DVDs, and digital library resources.
June 18 – Skátne (All Together) – The Queer Art Festival is hosting an evening of short films and music videos made by Indigenous artists from around the world. Curated by Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) filmmaker KJ Edwards, this program brings together Onkwehón:we (Original Peoples) kin from coast to coast.
June 21 – The Forgotten Reels of Nunavut’s Animation Workshop – The Cinematheque is screening newly discovered films from Nunavut’s Sikusilarmiut Animation Studio (1972-1975), showcasing the work of filmmakers Mathew Joanasie, Salomonie Pootoogook, and Timmun Alariaq. The evening includes curated films and an introduction by Camilo Martín-Flórez, collection curator at the National Film Board of Canada.
June 21 – Namesake – The VIFF Centre will screen Namesake, a compelling documentary about the Tla’amin Nation’s efforts to consider renaming Powell River. Named after Israel Wood Powell, who played a role in residential schools, the film offers a reflective examination of family history, belonging, and concerns about losing cultural identity.