National Indigenous History Month 2023

Dear colleagues,

National Indigenous History Month, observed in June each year, serves as a meaningful occasion to celebrate, and pay tribute to the rich histories, vibrant heritage, and remarkable diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It presents an opportunity to deepen our understanding and appreciation and offer sincere recognition of the contributions made by the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Moreover, this month stands as a solemn reminder to acknowledge the enduring consequences of the profound trauma, injustices, and pain inflicted upon Indigenous peoples throughout our shared colonial past and the strength and resiliency of present-day Indigenous communities.

This month, we invite all Parks Canada team members to join in as we celebrate National Indigenous History Month, culminating with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2023. 

National Indigenous History Month provides a valuable opportunity to learn about and create a deeper appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultures, knowledge, and communities, and supports actions to foster stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples across all aspects of our work.

Throughout the month of June, Parks Canada will mark National Indigenous History Month on ParksNet. We encourage you to continue your learning journey, building upon the knowledge gained during Indigenous Awareness Week in May, and broaden your understanding of the unique cultures, histories and customs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and recognizing the important role Indigenous peoples play as stewards of heritage places across the country. To further your exploration, we invite you to read through the updated Resources and Learning section of the Indigenous Affairs Branch ParksNet page, offering a diverse collection of internal and external resources on a wide variety of topics.

Join us on June 15 at 1:30 p.m. EDT for the second session of the Living Culture Learning Series. This three-session series focuses on how cultural traditions and knowledge have been passed down through generations and how young Indigenous content creators are sharing them through modern technological channels. Moderated by Richard Dupuis, this session features Barney Morin, a Métis comedian, and podcaster, engaging in a discussion with Dolorès Gosselin, a Métis Elder and drum keeper.

We also invite you to explore the Stories of Canada look books, which highlight the outcomes of collaborations between Parks Canada and Indigenous communities. For instance, delve into the WSÁNEĆ Nation’s efforts to share their language, history, and culture at Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, or learn about how Fort Anne National Historic Site worked with a Mi’kmaq artist to address the Fort Anne Heritage Tapestry.

Let this month be a time of exploration, education, and appreciation as we honour and celebrate the richness of Indigenous heritage and the enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples across Canada.

Thank you for dedicating your time to this important month and for your continued hard work in advancing meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples There is much more work to do – and together through embracing reconciliation – we can create a more welcoming environment for Indigenous partners, communities and colleagues and move toward a future of increased diversity and understanding and even greater appreciation for the incredibly rich histories, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Miigwech / Kleco / Ekosani / Maarsii / Meegwetch / Mahseecho / Mutna / Wopida / Hei Hei / ᖁᐊᓇᖅᑯᑎᑦ / Quanaqqutit / Marci Cho / Nakurmiik / ᓇᑯᕐᒦᒃ / Huy ch q'u / Kukwstsétsemc / Woliwun / Haawa / Wela'lioq / Merci / Thank you

Nadine Spence

Pronom: Elle/Pronouns: She, Her

Vice-présidente, Affaires autochtones et Patrimoine culturel /
Vice-President, Indigenous Affairs and Cultural Heritage