Let's Celebrate National Indigenous History Month 2023

June 19, 2023

June is recognized as National Indigenous History Month. This month is an opportunity to celebrate and learn about the cultures, experiences, and traditions of Métis, Inuit, and First Nations communities. It is a time to honour their stories, histories, resilience, and impact in Canada.

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National Indigenous History Month 2023

National Indigenous History Month was first known as National Aboriginal History Month and was designated by the House of Commons in 2009 to fall in June every year. The name was changed in 2017.

National Indigenous History Month 2023 has weekly themes that highlight different aspects of Indigenous cultures, perspectives, and history.

• The June 1 to 6 theme was Women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people
• The June 5 to 11 theme was Environment, traditional knowledge, and territory
• The June 10 to 18 theme is Children and youth
• The June 19 to 25 theme is Languages, cultures, and arts
• The June 26 to 30 theme is Reconciliation

You can visit the Government of Canada About National Indigenous History Month page for links to information for each theme: About National Indigenous History Month (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)

June 21, 2023, is National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place in Canada on June 21 because of the significance of the summer solstice in Indigenous cultures. It was first known as National Aboriginal Day and was announced in 1996 by Romeo LeBlanc, who was the Governor General. It was started because of consultations with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit groups. The Day celebrates the contributions and cultures of Indigenous Peoples and is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn and celebrate our country’s diversity.

Celebrating National Indigenous History Month 2023

Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Month by attending an event or learning on your own.

Take a course
Sign up for an online course like Indigenous Canada, offered by the University of Alberta here:

Indigenous Canada | Coursera

This course explores contemporary perspectives and the different histories of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and is a great addition to your National Indigenous Peoples Month activities.

Attend an event

Find events to attend in your area.

• The Banff Centre has many ways to celebrate National Indigenous People’s Month and you can register for a dance workshop, storytelling, and other great activities here: 2023 National Indigenous Peoples Month | Banff Centre There is also a virtual marketplace and online film screenings.
• If you are in Winnipeg, you can attend APTN Indigenous Day, where there will be activities from sunrise to sunset. Find more information here: Winnipeg - APTN Indigenous Day Live
• Use this interactive map to find an event in your area: Workbook: celebratecanada2023_Desktop_E (tableau.com)

Watch the APTN Indigenous Day Live Concert

Watch or listen to the APTN Indigenous Day Live concert on Saturday, June 17 from 9:00 to 10:00 PM (ET). Watch it on APTN channels and on YouTube or listen on the radio. More information is available here: Broadcast - APTN Indigenous Day Live

Learn about Indigenous issues and history

• Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Commission to learn about the tragic history of residential schools.
• Read documents from the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Links are available here: About National Indigenous History Month (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)

Follow the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Instagram account

Visit the GC Indigenous Instagram account to learn about Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ people, women, artists, activists, scientists, and environmentalists here:

GC Indigenous (@gcindigenous) | Instagram