National Indigenous History Month and Resources

June 21 is known as National Indigenous Peoples Day, which falls under June’s National Indigenous History Month.

During this time, we collectively recognize and celebrate the heritage, diversity and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.

Here at the Centre for Mindfulness Studies, we acknowledge the generational impacts of colonial violence and the systemic failures that continue to happen. We stand in solidarity with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and all Indigenous communities who are suffering with the devastating discovery. We grieve alongside our communities for the children found, and many more not yet discovered. As settlers, it’s important for all Canadians to understand the magnitude of the truth of this experience. We will continue to do the work of supporting Indigenous communities and are committed to the work of advancing truth and reconciliation. 

While we’re working to deepen our understanding of Indigenous histories and ongoing contemporary injustices we have compiled a list of resources to share with our community.  

Resources: 

• A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for all those affected. Emotional and crisis referral services can be accessed by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419. 
• The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-721-0066. 
• The Hope for Wellness Help Line, which offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada at 1-855-242-3310. 
• The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies offers a free online course that explores Indigenous histories 
• 22 Modules from the Assembly of First Nations that covers every topic from Language, to Cultural Competence, to Pre-Contact history, to Treaties and the Indian Act.
• A list of Indigenous podcasts which aim to tell stories from an Indigenous perspective. 
• We Were Children, a Docudrama of two survivors’ stories of their experiences in the Residential School.
• Extensive book list to help talk about residential schools with kids 
• An overview of the residential school system
• Discussions and Findings from 2015 Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 
• Indigenous Awareness for Settlers, curated by Lindsay (Swooping Hawk) Kretschmer, Executive Director, Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council