In 2009, the Government of Canada named June as National Indigenous History Month, which celebrates First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples.
More About National Indigenous History Month
National Indigenous History Month is a time where Indigenous voices are uplifted and there are more opportunities to learn about unique traditions and histories. June was chosen as Indigenous History Month as the summer solstice falls on or around June 21st and is a time where many Indigenous groups have historically celebrated their culture. June 21st is recognized as National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada as well.
The Government of Canada also supplies a list of resources to learn more about Indigenous history in Canada, including residential schools, truth and reconciliation efforts, treaty making, and more.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP)
UNDRIP is a declaration showing the steps required to take to advance lasting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. This Government of Canada and Indigenous leaders have worked together in consultation and cooperation for nearly 25 years to create this important document. It discusses a wide range of collective and individual rights to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples including equality and non-discrimination; Self-determination, Self-government, and recognition of treaties; Lands, territories, and resources; environment; Civil and political rights; Participation in decision-making and Indigenous Institutions; Economic and social rights; Implementation and redress; Cuture, religion, and language; and education and media.
National Indigenous History Month Events
The University of British Columbia is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) People. The land on which the library events and other events are held is the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations.
Events at UBC
June 12th from 2:30pm – 4:30pm there will be a Decolonization Tour at the Belkin Art Gallery that highlights artworks by Indigenous artists.
Though not in June, the ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl festival (translation: “Come Toward the Fire”) will be taking place at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC. The festival is family-friendly and accessible and features musical performances, film screenings, dancers, speakers, workshops, artist discussions, and more on September 20-21st, 2025.
Community Events
On June 7th from 11am – 4pm the Bill Reid Gallery will be hosting an Indigenous Artisans Market showcasing the work of over 15 Indigenous artists and makers.
On June 20th from 10:30am – 3pm, join Talaysay Tours for a Destination Walk: Talaysay Indigenous Tour of Stanley Park, to learn about Indigenous ecological and sustainability practices in nature. This event is aimed at seniors and is restricted to seniors ages 55 yrs+.
Vancouver Public Library
Check out the Indigenous Collection at the Vancouver Public Library for reccomendations of books, films, and audio recordings that celebrate Indigenous voices and cultures.
On June 4th from 6:30pm – 8pm, the Central Library will be hosting an event on The Teachings of Mutton: A Coast Salish Woolly Dog, who’s pelt lay in the Smithsonian for 150 years before being rediscovered. According to Indigenous Oral Histories, this dog was bred for its woolly fibers which were woven into blankets, robes, and regalia.
On June 9th from 2pm – 4pm, the Central Library will be hosting a film screening and Q&A of The Stand, a feature documentary with archival footage and audio recreating the Haida Nation’s blockade of a road on Lyell Island to protect their land.
On June 10th from 6pm – 8pm, the Central Library will be hosting the launch of Word Vancouver with Chris Bose, the 2025 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence. The evening will be filled with storytelling and music.
UBC Library Materials:
To learn more, check out these books available at the UBC Library.
George, C., & Phillip, S., Grand Chief. (2024). In Hibbert A. (Ed.), Alha disnii: My truth : Words from a wet’suwet’en woman. Medicine Wheel Publishing. [Available at UBC Library]
Fontaine, T., & Xwi7xwa Collection. (2022). Broken circle: The dark legacy of indian residential schools (Commemorative ed.). Heritage House Publishing. [Available at UBC Library]
Johnson, E. P., Su-á-pu-luck, & Capilano, M. A. (2023). In Shield A. (Ed.), Legends of the capilano (1st ed.). University of Manitoba Press. [Available at UBC Library]
Asch, M., Borrows, J., Tully, J., Coherent Digital (Firm), & Canadian Electronic Library (Firm). (2018). In Asch M., Borrows J. and Tully J.(Eds.), Resurgence and reconciliation: Indigenous-settler relations and earth teachings (1st ed.). University of Toronto Press. [Available at UBC Library]
Wagamese, R., & ProQuest (Firm). (2019;2020;). One drum: Stories and ceremonies for a planet (1st ed.). Douglas and McIntyre. [Available at UBC Library]
Web Sources Cited
Government of Canada. (2021, April 12). Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act. https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/declaration/index.html
Government of Canada. (2023, May 3). About National Indigenous History Month [Educational material]. https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1683124800202/1683124846095
Vancouver Public Library. (n.d.). National Indigenous History Month. Retrieved June 5, 2025, from https://www.vpl.ca/program/national-indigenous-history-month