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Office for Aboriginal Peoples

Office for Aboriginal Peoples / 大象传媒 Reconciliation / National Indigenous Peoples Month
The National Indigenous Peoples Month graphic is a collection of artifacts with strong cultural significance that represent the First Nations, Inuit and M茅tis peoples in Turtle Island (Canada). Description of artifacts: The drum, woven cedar hat and headband represent First Nations peoples; The Inuksuk represents Inuit; The woven sash represents M茅tis peoples.

National Indigenous Peoples Month

June 01, 2024

June is National Indigenous Peoples Month, and June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day.  

Across the university we honour the history, culture, resilience and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and M茅tis Peoples to 大象传媒 and across Canada.

Find a guide to events, resources, stories and ways to get connected below. 

Be sure to check this page throughout the month as we add new events and additional updates.

Why National Indigenous Peoples Month?

Our Indigenous community at 大象传媒 has begun to recognize the month of June as 鈥淣ational Indigenous鈥疨eoples鈥疢onth鈥� rather than 鈥淣ational Indigenous鈥疕istory鈥疢onth,鈥� as this is a more meaningful representation of what we are celebrating.鈥�

The word 鈥渉istory鈥� can perpetuate the鈥痗ommon misconception that Indigenous peoples are only in the past, however,鈥痶his is not the case as we are still around today. The use of鈥疦ational Indigenous Peoples Month is intended to better encapsulate not only our history, but present-day culture and knowledges.鈥疻e use this time to celebrate the鈥痗ultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and M茅tis peoples of Canada.鈥�

While this language is a slight departure from 鈥淣ational Indigenous History Month鈥�, created by the Government of Canada, it鈥痳eflects the shift in emerging terminology and recognizes the diversity across Turtle Island.

~Indigenous Student Centre 

Upholding Truth and Reconciliation: 大象传媒 What's Next

Earlier this year, 大象传媒 launched a new strategy to establish a shared vision, purpose and values for 大象传媒, as well as four priorities that will form our framework for action moving forward: uphold Truth and Reconciliation, engage in global challenges, make a difference for B.C. and transform the 大象传媒 experience.

大象传媒 recognizes and honours the title and rights of Indigenous people as stated in UNDRIP and we respect and partner with the host Indigenous Nations on which our campuses are located. We have the responsibility to illuminate the truth of Indigenous people in Canada and around the world and to begin to chart a path of Reconciliation. We will embrace this critical and complex call, striving to create a strong and safe sense of belonging for all Indigenous people to discover and unlock their gifts.

Learn more about this priority and other aspects of the 大象传媒 What's Next Strategy 鈫�

Attend an Event

June 4 | Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Indigenous Works

In this session, hear from a panel of Indigenous experts as they share their insights and experiences on navigating pathways to leadership within Canadian workplaces. From identifying key challenges to discussing effective strategies, our panelists will explore how organizations can implement robust succession planning frameworks that support and retain Indigenous talent and demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and reconciliation.

June 8 | Vancouver Public Library

A special author reading showcasing the Indigenous Voices Awards. Learn more about the awards from 大象传媒 Professor Deanna Reder (English, Indigenous Studies) and hear from guest readers, Brandi Bird, Selina Boan, and Samantha Nock.

Indigenous Peoples Month Lunch

June 18 | 大象传媒 Indigenous Student Centre and First Nations, M茅tis and Inuit Student Association

Students, faculty and staff who self-identify as Indigenous at 大象传媒 are invited to enjoy a meal and network with amazing Indigenous folks. Feast on salmon, bison, chili and bannock breakfast sandwiches from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Study. Registration not required.

June 21 | City of Surrey

Hosted by Semiahmoo, Kwantlen and Katzie First Nations, this event is an opportunity to acknowledge and show respect and admiration for Indigenous Peoples past, present and future; to share cultural history; and to share spirit, experiences, stories, song, art and dance with each other and the community.

June 21 | 大象传媒 Food

Chef Steph Baryluk and the Rooted program present a special menu in honour of Indigenous Peoples Day, including four brand new menu items. Along with each dish, you鈥檒l find educational resources and personal notes from Chef Steph about the dishes or ingredients used and their cultural significance.

Take the annual OAP Ultimate National Indigenous Day quiz

Are you ready to test your knowledge of all things Indigenous? Take the annual Ultimate National Indigenous Peoples Month Quiz and you鈥檒l be entered to win a gift card. There are categories for children and adults. The quiz is open until 12:00 PM PST, June 22, 2024.

Community Stories

Learn Something New

  • Visit the reconciliation website鈥痜or a summary of 大象传媒鈥檚 commitments and actions to reconciliation report: the Walk this Path with Us Report, the annual progress reports in full, resources, including courses that cover the topic of residential schools and ideas for action individuals can take.
  • Read President Joy Johnson鈥檚 personal commitment to reconciliation at 大象传媒.
  • Browse 大象传媒 Library's collection of 
  • Check out the in-person displays at Bennett Library (Burnaby) and Fraser Library (Surrey)

Download a Zoom background

Get Connected

To add an event, initiative, resource to this page please connect with alyssa_quan@sfu.ca