- Nerida K
National Indigenous History Month 2023
Every June is National Indigenous History Month and a time to celebrate and honour the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada, and all of their contributions - past and present.
The month culminates with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st. And while this day was first recognized nationally in 1996, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day, also known as summer solstice, for generations.
During summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun travels its longest path in the sky. This makes it the longest day of daylight for the year and marks the first day of summer, or mid-summer. It’s often celebrated by coming together with family and community in ceremony and for a feast, and it can symbolize new life, new birth and new beginnings.
This month, and all year, we encourage you to take the time to honour and learn about the many languages, cultures and immeasurable contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Start by getting out into your community and learning what nations are close by. There are lots of great special events to attend this month when you can celebrate and honour Indigenous Culture, People and their history.
Celebrate National Indigenous History Month with the Calgary Public Library!
The Calgary Public Library is offering a variety of events throughout June to celebrate National Indigenous History Month, as well as National Indigenous People's Day on June 21st. Starting on June 1st with a comedy show by Sherry Mckay, an Ojibway Anishinaabe influencer and comedian from Treaty 1 Territory, and then on June 2nd will be a formal opening ceremony at Central Library with performances and activities at 12:00 PM.
Program highlights from CPL for the month include:
KAIROS Blanket Exercise (June 10)
Elders Storytelling with Elder Adrian (June 13)
Métis History and Jigging with Doreen Bergum (June 15)
Film screening, live drumming, and conversation with Stardale Women’s Group (June 24)
And on June 21st, Olympic medalist, Order of Sport recipient, and included in the Canada Sports Hall of Fame Alwyn Morris will be holding an educational keynote about Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being. You can sign up here.
There a many events being held, for a complete listing, head to https://calgarylibrary.ca/connect/indigenous-services/.
June 18 -24, 2023 -- Aboriginal Awareness Week
Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary is hosting a series of events from June 18th - 24th, culminating with a National Indigenous Family Day & Powwow at Enmax Park (Elbow River Pathway & MacDonald Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4J8).
For a complete rundown of events and information, please visit https://www.aawc.ca/
Cooks with Stones
Last but not least, Indigenous Youth from our Cooks with Stones Program have the opportunity of a lifetime to share their culture, cuisine and culinary skills on an international stage in London this June. You can help ensure they have this opportunity by buying a ticket in our 50/50 raffle:
Cooks with Stones is an award-winning program that supports Indigenous Youth and their communities to build pathways to meaningful employment through traditional knowledge and skills camp, workplace essential skills training, culinary training, mentorship, and internships.
