June is National Indigenous History Month, a time dedicated to honouring the vibrant cultures and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across Turtle Island.
As we celebrate, we recognize and commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ kinship to the land. One of the ways we acknowledge this kinship is through land acknowledgements, a necessary first step of many towards honouring the original residents of a place. Land acknowledgements are done to show respect and acknowledge the traditional stewards of the land when visiting other territories. This short video, shares the deep roots of land acknowledgements and uncovers the history of Tkaronto. Find YWCA Toronto’s land acknowledgment here and sources to write your own here.
Education and truth play a crucial role in this celebration, providing an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Indigenous history. Throughout the month of June, the Government of Canada has shared weekly modules on Indigenous history, cultures and perspectives exploring the environment, traditional knowledge and territory, children and youth, languages, cultures and arts, and women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
This month also offers a chance to explore the rich tapestry of Indigenous arts, music, dance, and storytelling. Here are some additional resources to explore:
This year at YWCA Toronto, we have celebrated National Indigenous History Month in a variety of ways. Our Elm Centre housing site has hosted events for program participants featuring teachers, Elders, grandparents and knowledge keepers who have shared their knowledge through research, traditional teachings and ceremonies, drumming and storytelling.
Our Advocacy and Communications team hosted a virtual lunch and learn event, where staff from across the association came together for a screening of the Tedx Talk, How Art Seeds Change, and Seeds Change Art, which featured The Witness Blanket, an art project that explores Truth and Reconciliation through the stories and voices of Survivors of residential schools.
At YWCA Toronto we recognize our privilege to work, live, play and exist on Indigenous land and are committed to advancing anti-racism and decolonization alongside the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island, while celebrating their unique cultures, traditions and experiences.