Biindigen Celebrates Indigenous History Month 2021
We challenge you to come learn with us!
June is National Indigenous History Month and Biindigen, Western’s Indigenous Learning Circle, created a full month of activities and resources for the Western community to learn and unlearn about Indigenous histories, cultures and Peoples.
In the calendar below, you will find something to celebrate or learn about Indigenous Peoples in Canada for almost every day of the month. Some events require registration, and we included some resources for your kiddos too.
Heads up – next time you’re grocery shopping, pick up some wild rice for a delicious recipe on June 10!
Share your learning and experiences on Twitter with the hashtag #WesternUBiindigen
Faculty, staff and grad students, please join Biindigen on June 22 to discuss what we’ve been learning and how to incorporate what we’ve learned into practice and action. Register here.
If you have any questions about the calendar please contact OII’s Curriculum & Pedagogy Advisor via email (saramai.chitty@uwo.ca)
Indigenous History Month Challenge Calendar
Happy Indigenous History Month!
Pick a book written by an Indigenous author to read this month.
Not sure what to pick?
Check out this list by The Western Bookstore
Week One
JUNE 1
Where are you?
- Find out the local First Nation and Indigenous communities near you
- Find out the Treaties that cover the territory(ies) you live in
- Head to @WesternU_Indigenous on Instagram to learn how to say greetings in Lenaape, Oneida and Ojibwe
For the Kids (but also great for anyone): The word Indigenous explained – CBC Kids News (2min26)
JUNE 2
Commemorate: Anniversary of the release of the MMIWG2S Report (2019).
See how communities commemorated the process through art and story here.
Also check out the recently announced Pathways to Safety.
Event: Jube School Presents, National Indigenous History Month - Come and Gather with Darlene Pearl Auger
JUNE 3
Watch: Namwayut: We are all one, Truth and Reconciliation in Canada Chief Robert Joseph via CBC (4min20)
Learn:
Save the Evidence Campaign by the Woodland Cultural Centre.
Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
For the kids: 10 Books about Residential Schools to read with your kids (CBC)
JUNE 4
Sign up: The Office of Indigenous Initiative’s quarterly newsletter
Watch: Stories from O:se Kenhionhata:tie (LandBack Camp)
Rainbow Reels Queer and Trans Film Festival, Kitchener
Online event 7pm-8pm, $10/household or PWYC
JUNE 5
Adventure: Walk Along Deshkan Ziibing with Summer Bressette: 25 min
Bring this podcast episode with you for a walk along the Thames River sometime this weekend.
Week Two
JUNE 6
Reflect and share: What did you learn this past week? Using #WesternUBiindigen, post on Twitter or on Instagram and tag @WesternULibs and @WesternU_Indigenous.
JUNE 7
Listen: The Indian Act – Secret Life of Canada Podcast (44:51 min)
For the kids: Molly of Denali
JUNE 8 - Happy Pride Month!
Watch: “What Does TwoSpirit Mean?” - Inqueery (6min16)
“Ma-nee Chacaby talks about Two-Spirit Identities” (5min16)
JUNE 9
Explore: Timeline of Indigenous Resistance by Tim Kitz (The Leveller) or this Colonization and Decolonization Manual zine by ZigZag
What are Indigenous Peoples in/near your community advocating for, and how can you support?
Event: Jube School Presents National Indigenous History Month: Stories from the Land with Walter White Bear and Samantha Whelan
JUNE 10
Create: A delicious manoomin (wild rice) salad by Kanina Terry of Obishikokaang (Lac Seul First Nation) and watch the cook-a-long from May 27 here.
JUNE 11
#FollowFriday: Tweet and share your favourite Indigenous accounts on social media. Discover and follow new accounts using #WesternUBiindigen on Twitter.
Check out: Woodland Cultural Center’s Indigenous Craft Fair
JUNE 12
Explore: Indigenous Murals in London, ON
Market Lane: Holly Pichette’s floral mural
London Convention Centre: Mique Michelle’s falcon mural
Old East Village: Temporary murals by Robin Henry (616 Dundas St) and Dawn Redskye (Mshkiki 613 Dundas St)
Week Three
JUNE 13
Reflect and share: What did you learn this past week? Using #WesternUBiindigen, post on Twitter or on Instagram and tag @WesternULibs and @WesternU_Indigenous
JUNE 14
Check out: This hoodie collaboration between the OII, Western Bookstore and Antler River Trading Co. Designed by Crystal T. Henry
Listen:
The Tribe that's Moving Earth (and Water) to Solve the Climate Crisis - How to Save a Planet Podcast (43:51 min)
JUNE 15
Listen: Indigenous Music Playlist made by Sara Mai Chitty, OII's Curriculum & Pedagogy Advisor on Spotify.
JUNE 16
Explore: The We Matter campaign and resources
Event: Woodland Cultural Centre Tour Registration is Required
JUNE 17
Check out: Any of these local Indigenous Organizations and communities online - make sure to give them a follow on their social media!
- Oneida Nation of the Thames
- Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
- Munsee-Delaware First Nation
- Atlohsa Family Healing Centre
- N’Amerind Friendship Centre
- Nokee Kwe
- Institute of Indigenous Learning at Fanshawe College
- Southwest Aboriginal Health Access Centre
- Nshwaasnangong Child Care & Family Centre
- Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians
JUNE 18
Watch: Decolonization is for Everyone – Nikki Sanchez TedTalk (13min18)
JUNE 19
Mythbusting: Indigenous Issues 101 - apihtawikosisan
Métis lawyer and author Chelsea Vowel unpacks common myths and misconceptions about Indigenous Peoples in Canada – read a post that sticks out to you!
Week Four
JUNE 20
Register for OII’S Indigenous Voices June Speaker Series
More details to come, register here.
Reflect and share: What did you learn this week? Using #WesternUBiindigen, post on Twitter or on Instagram and tag @WesternULibs on Twitter and @WesternU_Indigenous
JUNE 21 - Happy Indigenous People’s Day!
Celebrate today by amplifying Indigenous voices; sharing your favourite Indigenous art, music and resources with friends and family!
Event: Jube School Presents National Indigenous History Month - Pow Wow Step Groove with Josee Bourgeois
For the Kids: Urban Iskwew’s colouring pages
JUNE 22
Read: Western's Guide for Working with Indigenous Students
(this contains lots of good information, that not just Western staff and faculty need to read!)
Event: Biindigen – Sharing What we’ve Learned
2pm on Zoom
Western U faculty, staff and grad students register here.
JUNE 23
Explore: Indigenous Art
Pass the Feather Indigenous Arts Collective
Artist list by Atrocities Against Indigenous Canadians for Dummies
Event: Jube School Presents National Indigenous History Month - Visual Arts with Lance Cardinal
JUNE 24
Explore: The Yellowhead Institute & read one of their reports like the recently published Cash Back
JUNE 25
Meet: Dr. Oronhyateka, Mohawk from Six Nations of the Grand River who became the second medical school doctor in Canada and practiced in London, ON in the early 1870s.JUNE 26
Explore: Comb through legendary director Alanis Obomsawin’s filmography on the National Film Board
(NFB). There is a mix of short films and longer documentaries such as:
Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance (1h59)
Basket (6min)
Week Five
JUNE 27
Reflect and share: What did you learn this week? Using #WesternUBiindigen, post on Twitter or on Instagram and tag @WesternULibs and @WesternU_Indigenous
JUNE 28
Listen: A podcast with Western’s Dr. Candace Brunette-Debassige about Belonging at University by the Association of Commonwealth Universities
JUNE 29
Explore: CBC’s Original Voices Project to learn about diverse Indigenous languages across what is now known as Canada
JUNE 30 - Congratulations, you did it!
Share: the resources that stood out to you with friends and family
Gift: the book you read this month to someone
Learn: How will you continue your un/learning journey? Consider registering in U of A’s Indigenous Canada massive open online course
