Biindigen's Indigenous History Month Challenge 2025

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Biindigen's Indigenous History Month Challenge

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time for learning, honouring, and celebrating diverse Indigenous histories and cultures.

The Biindigen 30 Day Challenge was created by Western's Indigenous Learning Circle in 2021 to engage Western University and Affiliate staff, faculty, and students in learning about and celebrating Indigenous Peoples, perspectives, realities, histories, and cultures throughout the month of June.

In the calendar below, each day features a resource, event, or suggested activity to celebrate Indigenous Peoples and aid in everyone's learning journey.

Can’t travel to an in-person event? Read more of the Indigenous-authored book that you chose or dive deeper into one of the resources from other days. Happy exploring!

Colouring pages (for all ages) can also be supplemented, Urban Iskwew offers a colouring book for free.

Biindigen’s 2025 Indigenous Reads

Happy Indigenous History Month! Pick a book written by an Indigenous author to read this month.

Not sure what to pick? We’ve created a list to help!

Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction

Children’s Books

Biindigen’s 2025 Indigenous History Month Calendar

Week One

Sunday, June 1

LISTEN: Two-Spirit Terminology Podcast (Anishinabek Nation YouTube: 33 mins)

Recognizing June is both Indigenous History Month and Pride Month – we have to start the month off right – in solidarity together.

Monday, June 2

READ: 2025-2035 ReconciliAction Plan | City of London (May 13, 2025)

Tuesday, June 3

LISTEN: From Villain to Superhero, The Story of Buck (The Uncapped Network: 91 mins)

Mason “Buck” Ireland’s story is one of powerful transformation to become the local community leader he is today. While incarcerated, Buck discovered a talent for tattooing, which shaped his path forward. Through drumming and reconnecting with his community’s traditions, he emerged as a respected leader and professional tattoo artist. Today, Buck uses his art and traditions to inspire others and strengthen his community, proving that even the darkest paths can lead to light and purpose.

Wednesday, June 4

READ: Begin reading a book by an Indigenous author and try to finish by the end of June – see the suggestions above!

Thursday, June 5

WATCH: How Kairyn Potts is helping Indigenous youth thrive by meeting them where they’re at. (Matriarch Movement YouTube: 66 mins)
Matriarch Movement conversation between Kairyn Potts and Shayla Stonechild

Friday, June 6

READ: Pow Wow Etiquette

ATTEND: Antler River Elementary Children’s Pow Wow

Saturday, June 7

ATTEND: Gwetaandaawe Market in Aamjiwnaang First Nation

Week Two

Sunday, June 8

READ: 'It's just insulting': Backlash over Brit's claims of being first woman to solo traverse across Nunavut island | CBC News (April 4, 2025)

READ: UK adventurer apologises for record trek claim after Inuit backlash | UK news | The Guardian (April 10, 2025)

Monday, June 9

WATCH: What does ‘Land Back’ really look like in Canada? | Climate Warriors Documentary: Serena (My Media Creative YouTube: 7 mins)

Tuesday, June 10

CHECK OUT: Any of these local Indigenous communities and organizations online - make sure to give them a follow on their social media! 

Wednesday, June 11

WATCH: Your clothes are the most political choice you make every day by Sage Paul, TEDxToronto (TEDx Talks YouTube: 14 mins)

Thursday, June 12

READ: Joint Statement from the United States and Canada on Haudenosaunee Participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics | The White House (January 17, 2025)

READ: Haudenosaunee Nationals prepare to compete at 1st women's box lacrosse world championships | CBC News (July 2, 2024)

Friday, June 13

WATCH: North of North

  • Available on CBC Gem (free) and Netflix (subscription required)
  • It’s just been renewed for a second season!

Saturday, June 14

READ: Meet Anna Lambe, star of Netflix hit show ‘North of North’ (May 15, 2025)

Week Three

Sunday, June 15

EXPLORE: Public Art & Monument Tour – Downtown London (London Arts Council)

The 'Public Art Now' Tour of London's Downtown features public artworks that many Londoners pass by often, including multiple pieces by local Indigenous artists.

Monday, June 16

LISTEN: Lesley Hampton’s Indigenous Designs Belong in High Fashion (Matriarch Movement Podcast: 38 mins)

Tuesday, June 17

WATCH: A History of First Nations Governance with André Bear (Andre Bear YouTube: 13 mins)

Wednesday, June 18

ATTEND: The Woodland Cultural Centre’s Public Virtual Screening of Silent No More

  • Begins at 6 p.m. – registration required. The film is rated PG-13.
  • Cost: $10 donation to the Woodland Cultural Centre’s education department.

Thursday, June 19

WATCH: The Pretendians, hosted by Drew Hayden Taylor (CBC Docs YouTube: 44 mins)

Friday, June 20

READ: Pow Wow Etiquette

ATTEND: Indigenous Solidarity Day Gathering at The Green (Wortley Village)

  • 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Green in Wortley Village (206-226 Wortley Road, London, ON)
  • Free admission, open to all

Saturday, June 21 (National Indigenous Peoples’ Day & Summer Solstice)

WATCH: S ummer Solstice is celebrated differently by Indigenous people across the country | Watch News Videos Online (June 21, 2023) (Global News: 1 min)

ENJOY: Potawatomi Berry & Wild Rice Salad

  • 1 cup of wild rice
  • ¼ cup of cranberries
  • 1 cup of berries (your choice!)
    • Strawberries and blueberries are most used in this region.
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Cook the wild rice, cool, and then mix in the cranberries, fresh berries, maple syrup, and cinnamon – enjoy!

Week Four

Sunday, June 22

EXPLORE: Public Art & Monument Tour – Old East Village (London Arts Council)

  • The 'Public Art Now' Tour of Old East Village (OEV) invites Londoners and visitors to explore one of London's most artistic and community-minded neighbourhoods, including work by local Indigenous artist Robin Henry.

Monday, June 23

READ: Pijitsirniq and Ikajuqtigiinniq as an Alternative Approach to Economic Development in Inuit Nunangat, by Patricia Johnson-Castle (Yellowhead Institute Brief)

Tuesday, June 24

SUPPORT: Here’s five local Indigenous businesses to follow!

  • Antler River Trading Co. – Apparel with designs from multiple Indigenous artists.
    Website | Facebook | Instagram
  • Rezonance Printing – Indigenous-led print shop: Orange shirts, silk screening, workshops, live printing events
    Website | Facebook | Instagram
  • Zisikine – Indigenous catering company focused on traditional ingredients.
    Instagram
  • Spirit Earth Holistics Inc. – Natural bath and beauty products.
    Website | Facebook | Instagram
  • Sacred Mugs and Custom Creations – Custom swag orders, workshops, clothing, jewelry, mugs, and more.
    Website | Facebook | Instagram

Wednesday, June 25

READ: Caldwell First Nation is moving home after hundreds of years. Here's what it took to reclaim their land | CBC News (August 16, 2024)

Thursday, June 26

FOLLOW: Check out the podcasts below to keep learning past the month of June!

  1. Coffee with my Ma
  2. Matriarch Movement
  3. Missing & Murdered
  4. Pieces
  5. The Secret Life of Canada

Friday, June 27

READ: Elders to teach London newcomers Indigenous history in new workshop series | CBC News (May 8, 2025)

Saturday, June 28 (Pride Day)

CELEBRATE: Pride Day

LISTEN: Check out this Queer Indigenous Artists Playlists – covering various genres, there’s a song for everyone! Who's your favourite?

Week Five

Sunday, June 29

WATCH:  Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World (88 mins)

  • WATCH: Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World tells the story of a profound, essential, and, until now, missing chapter in the history of contemporary music: the Indigenous influence.
  • Available on CBC Gem (free)

Monday, June 30

Congratulations, you did it!

  • SHARE: The resources that stood out to you with family and friends
  • GIFT: The book you read this month to someone
  • REFLECT: How will you continue your un/learning journey?