Every June 21st, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD). This is a special day to acknowledge the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.
Joining in the celebrations is a wonderful way to learn more about Indigenous Peoples and cultures in your area.
Summer Solstice Virtual Edition
The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival helps Canadians of all walks of life to recognize the enormous contributions that Inuit, First Nations and Métis peoples have made to Canada.
Education Days- Join students and teachers from across the province for a virtual Cultural showcase of FN, Metis and Inuit performers, educational craft and music workshops.
https://summersolsticefestivals.ca/events/category/education-days/
Intro to Jigging, the Métis Dance From ISPARC and School Physical Activity and Physical Literacy
Join Cree and Métis knowledge keeper Madelaine McCallum and youth in learning the Métis jigging Basic Step and several Fancy Steps to the music of the Red River Jig. Download the print resource and colouring pages to support your learning!
https://schoolpapl.ca/indigenous-resources/
NFB Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples' Month!
Discover the rich collection of Indigenous-made film the NFB has to offer with this selection of mini-lessons that can be used to foster discussion in the class.
Royal Roads University Virtual Live Stream Friday, June 19
This year, Old Ones/Elders/Knowledge Keepers, community leaders, youth, performers and artists gathered safely together at Royal Roads University on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen (Songhees) and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) ancestors and families to film the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt9Ibgrnav8&feature=youtu.be
Tah'lum Indigenous Artist Collective Colouring Book: Volume II
Open Space and Tah'lum Indigenous Artist Collective have come together once again to produce the second volume of their language-learning colouring book!
This volume features illustrations from Sarah Jim and Natassia Davies alongside SENĆOŦEN words. A free PDF of the book will be available online in the days to come.
https://openspacearts.ca/tiac-colouring-book-volume-ii?rq=colouring%20book
Artists Jesse Campbell (Métis/Cree) and Brianna Dick (Songhees Nation) are collaborating on a language-learning colouring book to share words from their respective Michif and Lekwungen languages.
The purpose of this colouring book project is to create a new way to engage children and adults alike with Indigenous languages; namely, the Lekwungen language from the territory now known as Victoria, B.C. and the Michif language spoken by the Métis.
https://openspacearts.ca/tahlum-indigenous-artist-collective-colouring-book?rq=colouring%20book
APTN - Influential Indigenous People
Throughout the month of June, we will be taking a look at First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who have made an impact in history and those who continue to influence today.
Unreserved is the radio space for Indigenous community, culture, and conversation. Host Rosanna Deerchild takes you straight into Indigenous Canada, from Halifax to Haida Gwaii, from Shamattawa to Ottawa, introducing listeners to the storytellers, culture makers and community shakers from across the country.
The Royal BC Museum, along with The BC Ministry of Health and Timberwest, have collaborated to create the Crossing Cultures and Healing Totem Pole Project. Tsawout Carvers, and brothers, Tom and Perry LaFortune have designed and are carving a pole on site at the Royal BC Museum.https://learning.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/playlist/crossing-cultures-and-healing-a-totem-pole-project/
What inspires you about BC’s First Nations languages?
Discover what communities throughout the province are doing to help their languages survive and flourish. Examine works of art by First Nations artists expressing their views of language. Read deeply about indigenous language work in BC. Close your eyes and hear lullabies in Listen. Click here, then scroll to the bottom, to view the BC First Nations Language Families Map.
https://learning.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/pathways/our-living-languages/
NATIVE PLANTS ON THE SOUTH COAST
Indigenous ways of knowing and being include deep, rich knowledge about plants, animals and landscapes. Learning about local First Peoples’ uses of plants and animals, seasonal changes and ecosystems will add to your study of the native plants in your neighbourhood. https://learning.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/pathways/native-plants-south-coast/
Freedom Road is a five-part documentary series that tells the inspiring story of Shoal Lake 40 Anishinaabe First Nation and their battle to build a road, after their community was forcibly relocated and cut off from the mainland over 100 years ago, so that water could be diverted to the city of Winnipeg.
Director and Shoal Lake 40 member Angelina McLeod uses an innovative, community-driven approach to storytelling that highlights the community’s dignity, strength and perseverance, as they take back control of their narrative and their future in the process of building Freedom Road.
Salish Weave supports the artists who create contemporary art in the traditional Salish art form and actively promotes awareness of Salish culture and art through Education.
See the education link for lesson plans created by the Cowichan SD http://salishweave.com/school-program/
Learn with Louise - Métis Cultural Connection
https://www.nimetis.com/uploads/2/7/5/3/27537947/learn_with_louis_issue_1.pdf
Here are a few ideas of how we can participate in National Indigenous Peoples Day
Listen to: Indigenous Music, Podcasts,
Watch: Indigenous Shows or Movies
The word Indigenous — explained l CBC Kids News
Read: Books and media by Indigenous Authors. Make your class read aloud or storytime books by Indigenous Authors. There are so many amazing books to choose from.
