Indigenous History Month

See what’s happening at UBC

June commemorates Indigenous History Month in Canada. The month encourages people to learn about, appreciate and acknowledge the rich history, heritage, resilience, contributions and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across the country.

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Featured UBC Events

June 10, 2024 | 12 pm – 2 pm

Indigenous Pop-Up Arcade

Join the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies and CEDaR to try out some of the best Indigenous made games.

June 13, 2024 | 5 pm – 9 pm

MOA’s Reopening Night

After an 18-month closure, MOA is thrilled to welcome visitors through our doors once again following the completion of the Great Hall seismic upgrades. Be the first to see the newly rebuilt Great Hall, and experience the revitalized and reinterpreted displays of Northwest Coast Indigenous carvings, poles, weavings and other works from the past and present.

Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre Tour

Join the CIS, AISA, and the IRSHDC team for a guided tour of the Centre and all of its resources. Talking circle, cedar brushing, and smudging to follow! Cultural Support Provider from the Indian Residential School Survivors Society will be present.

June 14–16, 2024

MOA’s Reopening Weekend Celebrations

Celebrate with MOA—it’s our reopening weekend! Enjoy family-friendly festivities and half-priced admission all weekend long.

Indigenous Intelligence Training with Maynard Angus

Maynard Angus is the founder of Indigenous Canada Solutions and a member of the Nisga’a Nation. The presentation will cover Indigenous history and will encompass a comprehensive understanding Indigenous culture, community and land.

June 25, 2024 | 11 am – 12:30 pm

Wellbeing Walk & Roll – Decolonization Tour

The Decolonization Tour guided by the Belkin Art Gallery highlights site-specific artworks by Indigenous artists and raises questions around issues of place, space and identity.

ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl Come Toward the Fire Festival

​ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl is a festival celebration of Indigenous culture and community presented by the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)—on whose territory the Chan Centre and UBC are located.

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UBC Okanagan Events

Interested in Indigenous History Month events happening at UBC’s Okanagan campus?
Visit https://events.ok.ubc.ca/indigenous-history-month/

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Featured Community Events

June 1, 2024 | 7:30 pm

Ḵi’mola

Ḵi’mola means ‘walking together’ in the Kwakwala language, and is brand new curation by Marion Newman, the exceptional mezzo-soprano of Kwagiulth and Stó:lō First Nations with English, Irish and Scottish heritage.

June 8, 2024 | 7:30 pm

Vancouver Chamber Choir: Stories of the Land

Jean Teillet and T. Patrick Carrabré, both of Métis heritage, have created a wonderful work of art reflecting Métis history and traditions. This commissioned work is the centerpiece of a concert that focuses on Canadian Indigenous choral music in a wonderful setting.

Vancouver Public Library: Saturday Showcase: Indigenous Voices

Celebrate Indigenous Voices at this special author reading showcasing the Indigenous Voices Awards. Learn more about the awards from Deanna Reder and hear from guest readers, Brandi Bird, Selina Boan, and Samantha Nock.

Bill Reid Gallery: Indigenous Artisans Market 2024

Artists from nations around BC will be selling works in a variety of mediums, including cedar weaving, beadwork, apparel, stickers, and prints.

Science World: Interconnected: Exploring Indigenous Perspectives on Earth Matters

Inspired by our new feature gallery Earth Matters: Rethink the Future, this event aimed at an adult audience delves into the rich interrelations of Indigenous knowledge on environmental stewardship, sustainability and the interconnectedness of the natural world.

Voices of the Solstice: A National Indigenous Day Celebration

Experience a harmonious blend of indigenous traditions and contemporary vocal artistry, as we celebrate the solstice together.

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Resources

Community Resources

Background Information

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action 
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Coalition for the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples: resources
• National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Final Report
• Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples report
• FirstVoices: web-based tools and services designed to support Indigenous people engaged in language archiving, language teaching and culture revitalization

Reference and Style Guides

• Reporting in Indigenous Communities by Duncan McCue 
• Elements of Indigenous Style: A Guide for Writing By and About Indigenous Peoples, by Gregory Younging 
• Pronunciation Guide for Indigenous Communities in BC, compiled by Bannock and Butter

Land Acknowledgements

• Beyond territorial acknowledgments, by âpihtawikosisân (Chelsea Vowel)
• Native Land, a living resource to help identify territories, languages, and treaties
• Khelsilem’s Tips for Acknowledging Territory 1.0, by Khelsilem (Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Úxwumixw)

Working Respectfully with Communities

• Why Aboriginal Peoples Can’t Just “Get Over It”, by Jeffrey J. Schiffer
• Settler Colonialism Primer, by Laura Hurwitz & Shawn Bourque
• Decolonizing practices, workshops designed by Michelle Lorna Nahanee, Squamish
• 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, adapted from book by Bob Joseph

Other Resources

• Open online course on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
• First Peoples Law, a law firm dedicated to defending and advancing Indigenous Peoples’ Aboriginal title, rights and Treaty rights
• My Ally Bill of Responsibilities, by Lynn Gehl
• Unsettling the Settler Within: Indian Residential Schools, Truth Telling, and Reconciliation in Canada

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Are you in a UBC department or student group planning an Indigenous History Month event?
Please connect with us to have your event considered for this page: info.events@ubc.ca.

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