June in Canada is National Indigenous History Month. As a newcomer, you may have questions about Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and our history. There are several resources, events, and workshops that can help you gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous matters in British Columbia.
Websites About BC’s First Nations and Indigenous Peoples
Our website offers helpful immigrant settlement guides and websites to help you understand BC’s First Nations and Indigenous Peoples. Here you will find links to:
- The Surrey First Peoples Guide for Newcomers provides information on the traditional protocols, histories, and current realities of Indigenous, Metis, and Inuit people in Canada. It addresses common misconceptions about the First People of this land. This resource constructs a foundation for shared understanding and continues the important work of building solidarity between the Indigenous and newcomer communities in Surrey.
- The First Peoples: A Guide for Newcomers aims to fill the need for clear information in simple language about the First Peoples in Vancouver. It introduces newcomers to three important topics: who are Aboriginal people (or First Peoples) in Vancouver and Canada; a brief overview of the relationship between the Government of Canada and First Peoples; and current initiatives and ways for newcomers to learn more about Aboriginal people in the community.
- Native Land Digital creates a space where non-Indigenous people can be invited and challenged to learn more about the lands they inhabit, the history of those lands, and how to actively be part of a better future together.
- Welcome to Our Homeland is a video introducing the vast richness of Indigenous people’s values and views. All while highlighting some of the many complex historical events that have shaped this country, as well as the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Library Events and Resources for National Indigenous History Month
The Vancouver Public Library is offering an event: Indigenous Considerations for Newcomers to Canada.
Wednesday, July 5, 2023 |2:00 – 3:30 pm| Online
Learn more about Indigenous artwork around Vancouver. Learn whose land the City of Vancouver is on. This newcomer-friendly introduction to Indigenous matters in Vancouver will cover land acknowledgements, Truth and Reconciliation, common terminology, Indigenous art and architecture, and more.
One newcomer who previously attended had this to say:
“This workshop is essential to understanding a very significant part of the history of this beautiful country. I would recommend the workshop to newcomers who do not know much about the Indigenous people, their history and culture. It is a great start in terms of gaining awareness and becoming more culturally sensitive. I was surprised to learn that the last residential school for Indigenous children was closed in the 1990s. This is quite recent, so it’s natural that reconciliation needs to take place.”
The Vancouver Island Regional Library invites you to read, watch, listen, engage, connect, and explore! They challenge you to take one action each day to further your understanding of local Indigenous communities. As well as the ongoing effects of colonization and to engage with the amazing Indigenous content makers, artists, and creators. In addition, they offer the 2023 Indigenous Voices resource guide as a launching point for information.
Community Events
Each city in BC is connected to an Indigenous Nation, and finding that Nation’s webpage can be done through a simple Google search.
- In Squamish, the Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) is offering a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Days Festival. This month-long event will offer canoe races, drumming and singing, movies in the park, and more. There is something for the whole family. These events take place through July.
- In Victoria, there are many nations. The Songhees Nation of the lək̓ʷəŋən People offers the South Island PowWow in September to recognize Survivors and their families in the spirit of reconciliation. Through song and dance, we will celebrate traditional Indigenous cultures and resiliency.
Knowing Canada’s history can better help newcomers understand current challenges and equip them with the tools to work respectfully with Indigenous Peoples to build a better future.