Celebrating National Indigenous History Month at Canadian universities

Universities have organized events to highlight First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures during the month of June.

McGill University organizes event series on Indigenous topics

Quebec’s McGill University is hosting six virtual events in the month of June. The events are free, featuring First Nations speakers who touch on Indigenous experiences, cultures and Knowledges. Among the topics covered in this year’s presentations are former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s 2008 apology for the residential school system, silversmithing among the Haudenosaunee, Mohawk tattoo traditions and Indigenous-inspired environmental practices. Most events take place in English and all are open to the public.

Western University challenges students and alumni to learn more about Indigenous cultures

Western University has organized a month-long challenge for both adults and children to learn more about First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures. Each day offers a new opportunity to learn about Indigenous traditions and experiences, discover local Indigenous organizations and interact with Indigenous content online, through videos, books, recipes, social media accounts and art installations. Most challenges can be completed at home, though some require stepping outside to discover local First Nations, Inuit and Métis contributions in person.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University celebrates Indigenous Knowledges and achievements

Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia has five events, as well as a National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on June 21. The events will be held in-person and virtually. Participants are invited to join in celebrating Squamish Nation traditions and cultures, Métis personalities and their contributions, as well as the BC and Yukon Book Prizes finalists. Additional events include discussions on reconciliation and health.

The June 21 celebration will include art, music, storytelling and dance as methods of sharing and teaching about First Nations and Métis cultures.

The University of Toronto encourages students to attend Indigenous events on and off campus

The University of Toronto’s Mississauga campus has more than a dozen events and activities scheduled for the month of June, most of which are organized by the university’s Indigenous Centre. Students have the opportunity to participate in virtual events such as Indigenous trainings, a cooking activity and a medicine bag making workshop. In-person activities include a drum social, as well as hand drum bag and rattle making workshops.

In addition to the activities organized by the university and its Indigenous Centre, the monthly activity calendar includes a natural education walk and pow-wows on weekends hosted by various Indigenous groups in Toronto.

The University of Calgary hosts events, workshops and discussions by notable Indigenous personalities

Alberta’s University of Calgary is hosting a mix of virtual and in-person events for students, staff and faculty to celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures and draw attention to the challenges they face. The events include a drumming workshop, a book launch and art exhibit, a discussion on reconciliation and a panel of Indigenous leaders discussing the Buffalo Treaty.

Students and members of the university community are also invited to check out the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory’s Indigenous Skies web page to learn more about how First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities view the sky and stars.