Since 2009, following the passing of a unanimous motion in the Canadian House of Commons, June has been recognized as National Indigenous History Month and June 21 is recognized as National Indigenous People’s Day.  This is a time for all Canadians to recognize and honour the rich and diverse histories and current realities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across the province and Canada.

It is an important opportunity to learn more about the distinct cultures, languages and experiences of Indigenous peoples, as well as how their contributions and achievements have, and continue to, shape our province and country.

Indigenous peoples continue to inspire us with their strength, resiliency and steadfast commitment to Indigenous values, often in the face of incredible obstacles. These obstacles include, amongst other challenges, the tragic impact of the Indian Residential School system on Survivors, and their families and communities.

By deepening our collective understanding and appreciation of Indigenous histories, strengths, and contributions, we can all actively embrace the journey towards advancing the process of reconciliation.

Did You Know?

First Nations

First Nations is a term used to describe Indigenous peoples in Canada who are not Métis or Inuit. First Nations people are original inhabitants of the land that is now Canada and were the first to encounter sustained European contact, settlement and trade.

There are 634 First Nations communities in Canada, speaking more than 50 distinct languages.

Métis

Métis are people of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry, and one of the three recognized Indigenous peoples in Canada. The use of the term Métis is complex and has different historical and contemporary meanings.

The term is used to describe communities of mixed European and Indigenous descent across Canada, and a specific community of people — defined as the Métis Nation — which originated largely in Western Canada and emerged as a political force in the 19th century, radiating outwards from the Red River Settlement.

Inuit

Inuit — Inuktitut for “the people” — are Indigenous people, the majority of whom inhabit the northern regions of Canada. An Inuit person is known as an Inuk.

The Inuit homeland is known as Inuit Nunangat, which refers to the land, water and ice contained in the Arctic region. Inuit maintain cultural identity through language, family and cultural laws, attitudes and behaviour, and through much-acclaimed Inuit art.

To learn more about our indigenous heritage, there are a number of online resources:

• Celebrating National Indigenous History Month
• Learn more about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada
• Read Books by Indigenous Authors
• Discover Indigenous Culture along the TransCanada Trail
• Treaties Teaching and Learning Resources
• Indigenous History Month 2022 – Teaching History & Reconciliation
• Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
• Talk4Healing – a culturally grounded helpline for Indigenous women
• Hope for Wellness Help Line for Indigenous Peoples

Look for events in your area that celebrate our indigenous history or click here to discover indigenous history heritage sites in the Windsor-Essex County region.

Image: Government of Canada