National Indigenous History Month – Strathcona Regional District

Press Release

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and honouring First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Established by a unanimous motion in the House of Commons in 2009.

The highlight of this month-long celebration is June 21st – National Indigenous Peoples Day, which has been recognized nationwide since 1996. The day celebrates Indigenous peoples across Canada and coincides with the summer solstice, a significant day in many Indigenous cultures.

The Month of June is also a chance to explore Indigenous communities’ rich histories, diverse traditions, achievements, and contributions.

At the Strathcona Regional District, our commitment to Indigenous inclusion is essential. We strive to continually learn, foster strong relationships, and establish lasting partnerships.

View more info and resources about National Indigenous History Month at srd.ca/nihm

National Indigenous History Month Resources

1. Campbell River Museum
   The Campbell River Museum has a First Nations collection area represented by over 30 First Nations, including Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw and Nuu-chah-nulth language groups. On Wednesday, admission is free for locals.
2. Aboriginal People Television Network (APTN)
   This month, APTN offers a variety of programming that highlights the accomplishments and stories of Indigenous communities, providing viewers with meaningful ways to engage with the narratives, including a special showing of the film Bones of Crows on June 16, which depicts a narrative about Indigenous history and identity. https://www.aptn.ca/features/national-indigenous-history-month-at-aptn-celebrating-culture-and-heritage/
3. CBC Indigenous
   CBC Indigenous highlights First Nations, Inuit and Metis trailblazers in law, medicine, science, sports and beyond. https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous
4. CBC Listen
   Telling Our Twisted Histories: Words connect us. Words hurt us. Indigenous histories have been twisted by centuries of colonization. Host Kaniehti:io Horn brings us together to decolonize our minds– one word, one concept, one story at a time. https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/906-telling-our-twisted-histories
5. BC Achievement Foundation
   British Columbia Indigenous Awards honour excellence and inspiring achievements in Indigenous business, entrepreneurship, reconciliation, community, and art throughout the province.https://www.bcachievement.com/awardees/?_award_categories=bc-indigenous-business-award
6. First Voices – Indigenous Languages
   First Voices is an online space where community members can share and promote Indigenous languages. https://www.firstvoices.com/
7. Indigenous Sport Gallery – BC Sports Hall of Fame
   The Indigenous Sports Gallery has approximately 1000 square feet of space at the BC Sports Hall of Fame. Indigenous achievements in professional and amateur sports, traditional Indigenous games, and much more are on display. In 2024, the BC Sports Hall of Fame opened its doors to the first immersive digital sports gallery. https://indigenoussportgallery.com/en/our-story
8. Gord Downie Chanie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
   The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada. https://downiewenjack.ca/ihm-2024/

National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21st Event

ILR4