National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day
Posted on 05/31/2022
National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous History Month is a time to learn about and celebrate the beauty and brilliance of First Nations, Inuit and Métis People. National Indigenous Peoples Day also takes place this month, observed on June 21 during the summer solstice. Please join us over the next few weeks in learning and reflecting upon the history, role models, leaders, accomplishments, and culture of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

We acknowledge that the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s schools and other sites are on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Territory. We appreciate and give thanks to the Algonquin Nation, and recognize their enduring presence on this land.

At the OCDSB, we have a year-round responsibility to embed and celebrate the beauty, richness and diversity of Indigenous people, traditions, culture (historical and contemporary), and ways of knowing into the everyday lives and learning of students. It is also our responsibility as a District to remain committed to the Calls to Action recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and to teach all students the truth about the ongoing legacy and significant impacts of colonialism, and, in particular, residential schools, including the loss of Indigenous life, language and culture. Alongside the Indigenous Education and Learning Team, the District works with Indigenous students, parents and partners to implement and monitor the delivery of Indigenous education in an inclusive and equitable manner that builds our Culture of Caring.

This month, we will be sharing information and resources on our website and social media to help students, staff, and families celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Learning Resources:

Below are just a few resources to explore - for further learning resources, please feel welcome to reach out to the Indigenous Education Learning Team.

Events: 

Looking to attend an event to celebrate National Indigenous History Month? Explore the 2022 Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival.

Summer learning opportunity for Indigenous OCDSB students in Grades 8-12: Learn more and register here by June 28, 2022.

Recommended Reading for Staff, Students, and Families:

  • Fishing with Grandma by Susan Avingaq, Maren Vsetula, and Charlene Chua: A picture book about traditional Inuit fishing methods, through a family’s eyes. 
  • Treaty Words for as Long as the River Flows, by Aimée Craft and Luke Swinson: A story about Treaties, the lasting bonds of reciprocity and renewal.
  • The Thundermaker by Alan Syliboy: An illustrated story about Mi'kmaw identity through traditional stories and teachings.
  • Go Show the World, A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes by Wab Kinew: A picture book that celebrates fourteen historical and contemporary Indigenous heroes who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and respective Nations.
  • Not Too Long Ago. A Residential School Story. by Emily Sinkinson: A story about a young boy and his siblings’ experience in Residential School, written by an OCDSB student. 
  • This Place: 150 Years Retold by Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm: A 296-page graphic novel anthology that showcases 11 Indigenous writers, eight illustrators, and two colour artists.
  • Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead: A story about a young two-spirit/Indigiqueer character created by Oji-cree two-spirit poet and novelist Joshua Whitehead.
  • From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle: Jesse Thistle’s memoir about overcoming trauma and addiction to discover the truth about who he is.
  • Unsettling Canada by Arthur Manuel: A collaboration by Arthur Manuel and Grand Chief Ron Derrickson on the place of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s political and economic space.
  • Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga: A story about the lives of seven Indigenous high school students who died in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and Canada’s long history of human rights violations against Indigenous communities.
  • Moon on Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice: A post-apocalyptic story about a small northern Anishinaabe community.

Looking for more recommendations? Explore the Storykeepers Podcast, where Waubgeshig Rice and Jennifer David discuss ‘all things Indigenous books’. Their website also includes an Indigenous Bookshelf to help you locate different titles. 

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