Indigenous People's Day and National Indigenous History Month

June 21 is Indigenous People’s Day and June is National Indigenous History month. From the rich histories, to the unique differences between Inuit, Métis, and First Nations people, heritages, cultures, and experiences, this month is an opportunity to celebrate, learn about, and recognize Indigenous Peoples in our communities and Country.

Indigenous Cultures and Identities

The phrase ‘Indigenous Peoples’ is often used an umbrella term to refer to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples have their own distinct identities, cultures, languages, heritage, and experiences. Learn about the terms First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. And, great diversity exists within Indigenous communities.

First Nations and Indigenous communities moved and shifted throughout history, especially after European contact when Indigenous Peoples and communities were displaced. The McKee Treaty of 1790, a land agreement involving the areas now known as Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex, Middlesex and Lambton counties, involved the Odawa, Potawatami, Chippewa, and Huron Nations.

Currently, what is now known as Chatham-Kent is neighboured by two Anishinaabeg Nations. The unceded territory of Bkjewanong (Walpole Island) is home to Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa Nations (known as the Three Fires Confederacy). Chatham-Kent also neighbours Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit, often referred to as the Lunapeew People of Delaware Nation at Moraviantown. Originally from the Atlantic seaboard, the Lunapeew people were one of first to establish settlements in this region and are often called the ‘grandfather nation’ by other Anishinaabeg Nations. Of course, many other First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people live in Chatham-Kent. Maawnjidimi, a local Social Planning & Action Table through the United Way of Chatham-Kent, is a group dedicated to promoting wellbeing for Urban Indigenous Peoples living in Chatham-Kent.

Learn about local First Nations.

Learn about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and people in Canada.

Learn about First People of Canada through the Canadian Museum of History.

We Acknowledge History to Create a Brighter Future

Indigenous communities have long histories on Turtle Island (now known as North America). Due to Colonialism, forced assimilation, and segregation, Indigenous Peoples have been physically, mentally, emotionally, and spirituality removed from their lands, cultural practices, languages, and ways of knowing. Indigenous Peoples across Canada continue to face issues with access to rights, land, food, and clean water. Despite these challenges, many Indigenous communities and First Nations have retained and are revitalizing their languages, ways of knowing, and cultures. And, there are growing movements to acknowledge the sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples and honour historic treaty relationships.

Local Urban Indigenous leaders are in the early stages of establishing a Friendship Centre in Chatham-Kent! Called 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre, the Centre will support Urban Indigenous Peoples and support capacity-building efforts for organization in Chatham-Kent.

Honour Indigenous History Month

We can all honour Indigenous History month by doing the following:

1. Commit to learning: Learn about the rich history and cultures of Indigenous Peoples and the processes and impacts of Colonization. Understand the differences between European or Western and Indigenous knowledge systems and how these impacts interactions. Start by visiting the links in this article. Learn about Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations in this region. Take part in GINDAASDAA Circle, a local book club - a new flyer will be sent out soon, but the contact is the same. Engage in Indigenous Cultural Safety or Awareness trainings. Contact local First Nations or Friendship Centres to ask about learning opportunities. Popular online self-directed trainings are offered by San’yas and University of Alberta Faculty of Native Studies (free option), but should be complimented with local knowledge.

2. Attend a local Indigenous Peoples Day event. On June 21^st, from 10AM-2PM at Ska Na Family Learning Centre, 25 Eighth Street, in Chatham.

3. Remember the concept of intersectionality: Great diversity exists within Indigenous communities. In addition to Indigenous Cultural Awareness training, seek out Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression, 2SLGBTQ+, and Trauma-Informed trainings.

4. Speak up: Learn about and use ways to interrupt bias when you hear or see comments that are anti-Indigenous, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or that don’t recognize the inherent worth of all people more generally.

Resources:

Supports for Indigenous Peoples

Hope for Wellness: Immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention for Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Toll-free Help Line 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

Residential Schools Health Support Program: Residential School survivors can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.

List of Friendship Centers in Ontario