June is National Indigenous History Month. It's a time for everyone - Indigenous, non-Indigenous and newcomers - to reflect upon and learn the history, sacrifices, cultures, contributions, and strength of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. It’s important to keep in mind that First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples each have their own unique histories. And within each group, there are distinct histories.
Throughout the month of June, Indigenous Student Services will be sharing daily facts and resources on social media, weekly film suggestions, and a guest speaker presentation for all students, faculty and staff.
This week:
Monday June 26
Meet the artists leading the next wave in Indigenous music.
Connecting the generations and Indigenous nations across Turtle Island and beyond, this Reclaimed session features performances from this year’s Indigenous Juno Award nominees and the next wave in Native music. From Nunavut to Wiikwemkoong, Denendeh to Tkaronto, they’ll celebrate the sounds of Indigenous folk, roots, blues, powwow step and moccasin gaze.
Artists Featured:
Tuesday June 27
Inuit are Indigenous people of the Arctic. The word Inuit means "the people" in the Inuit language of Inuktut. The singular of Inuit is Inuk.
Many Inuit in Canada live in 53 communities across the northern regions of Canada in Inuit Nunangat, which means "the place where Inuit live."
Inuit Nunangat is comprised of 4 regions:
- Inuvialuit (Northwest Territories and Yukon)
- Nunavik (Northern Quebec)
- Nunatsiavut (Labrador)
- Nunavut
In total, approximately 64,235 Inuit live in Canada.
Wednesday June 28
The North American Indigenous Games help us realize the collective potential of our bodies, minds, spirit and of our people – our hopes and dreams – The Spirit Strong, Brave & True. It is the largest multi-sport and Indigenous cultural event to ever be held in Atlantic Canada since contact.
NAIG 2023 will bring together more than 5000 athletes, coaches and team staff from 756 Indigenous Nations celebrating, sharing and reconnecting through sport and culture with the help of 3000 volunteers.
Kjipuktuk, as it is called by the Mi’kmaw Nation will host competitions in 16 sports over seven days and within 21 venues across Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth and Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia.
NAIG 2023 will take place from July 15-23.
Thursday June 29:
Ontario snapshot (as of 2016 Statistics Canada):
- There are 133 Indigenous communities in Ontario, with a total population of 236,680.
- There are 30 Metis Nation Community Councils representing 120,585 self-identifying Metis people.
- There are 3,860 self-identifying Inuit.
- 85% of those identifying as Indigenous live in urban areas.
Friday June 30:
Proud to be Indigenous [insert]
To continue to learn more about National Indigenous History Month:
Like us on Facebook: IESS Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: IESS Twitter
Questions? Contact Indigenous Awareness Programmer:
Amanda Aitchison
Phone: 905-575-1212 x4318
Email: amanda.aitchison2 [at] mohawkcollege.ca (amanda[dot]aitchison2[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)