June is Indigenous History Month. It is a time to remember and honour the experiences of Indigenous Peoples on these Lands. From the rich and beautiful cultures, languages, music, dance, ceremony to the strong and resilient diversity of thriving Nations across Turtle Island. Indigenous Peoples hold deep connection to the Lands they are from and a long history of Story that connects us to Place. Indigenous History Month is a time to honour all of this.
Statement from Premier & Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.
Read the Reclaiming Power & Place Final Report and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ Sub Working Group National Action Plan.
June is also 2S&LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. We have learned from keynote speakers and invited guests, Elders and community members that what we now know to be Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity has existed on these Lands for thousands of years and that Nations hold specific teachings to this. While some teachings around this have been lost, the resurgence of Two Spirit and Indigiqueer and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ lives, experiences, voices, and love continues to thrive on these Lands!
This affirmation of identity is also upheld in UNDRIP and BC DRIPA.
“Indigenous Peoples and individuals are free and equal to all other peoples and individuals and have the right to be free from any kind of discrimination, in the exercise of their rights, in particular that based on their Indigenous origin or identity.” – Article 2, UNDRIP
June 21st 2025 is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We recognize, honour, and celebrate the history, heritage, culture, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Across Canada. This day is a celebration of the diversity of culture, language, dance, music, traditions, ceremony and celebrations that Indigenous Peoples have always held and still hold on these Lands.
Resources
There are many ways schools and classes can honour National Indigenous Peoples' Day. Please see the list of lesson plans, resources, readings, music, films, and activities here:
Two-Spirit Belonging in SOGI-Inclusive Frameworks– SOGI 1 2 3 (lesson plans)
SOGI & Indigeneity – SOGI 1 2 3 (video and ProD modules)
National Indigenous History Month & Peoples Day 2024 – Indigenous Tourism BC (lots of information)
Indigenous Cinema – National Film Board of Canada (many films of all lengths)
Indigenous Cinema Playlists – National Film Board of Canada (all grade levels)
Learning Resources – GoC (all grade levels)
National Indigenous History Month – Why It’s Important – Indigenous Corporate Training (lots of resources and links, all grade levels)
AbEd Resources – SD8 Aboriginal Education
Indigenous Art & Resurgence – SD8 Aboriginal Education
Indigenous Music & Musicians – SD8 Aboriginal Education
Indigenous Return to the Land – SD8 Aboriginal Education
Indigenous Inspirations – SD8 Aboriginal Education
Linking Indigenous Sports and Activity to Physical Literacy - School PAPL
Movement is Medicine: 30x30 Active Wellness Challenge - First Nations Health Authority