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National Indigenous History Month 2025

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

Asian Heritage Month 2025

This May we have been celebrating Asian Heritage Month. Vancouver is home to many diverse Asian communities who have shaped the city, as well as the country as a whole.

What is Asian Heritage Month?

The Government of Canada recognizes Asian Heritage Month as a time to recognize the achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin and have named 2025’s Asian Heritage Month theme “Unity in Diversity: The Impact of Asian Communities in Shaping Canadian Identity” to acknowledge the strength of diversity among Asian Canadian communities.

The Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society has been active for over 25 years and works with Asian-Canadian communities to celebrate arts and diverse culture in Vancouver. The VAHMS was founded in 1996 by Jim Wong-Chu, Mishtu Banerjee, Mo-Ling Chui, Grace Eiko Thomson, and Winston Xin and Asian Heritage Month was officially recognized as May in 2001.

Noteworthy Canadians of Asian Heritage

If you want to read more about some of the achievements of Asian-Canadians, the Government of Canada highlights some of the people who have helped shape the history of Asian communities in Canada. Among them are social activists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, artists, politicians, engineers, and more. You can read about them here.

Asian Heritage Month 2025 Events

On May 6th, UBC co-hosted a film screening by the UBC Asian Independent Cinema Showcase (AICS) and the TFAI Taiwan Docs, “In Search of Light: Hong Kong x Taiwan Documentary Short Films”

The Vancouver Art Gallery is hosting several Asian Heritage Month activities this May, including:

In June, the LiterASIAN festival of Asian-Canadian writing is hosting workshops, storytelling events, and talks from notable authors. You can find a full list of events here.

UBC Library Materials

Check out these books and booklists to read more about Asian heritage!

Mabute-Louie, B. (2025). Unassimilable: An asian diasporic manifesto for the twenty-first century (First ed.). Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. [Available at UBC Library]

Nguyen, V. (. p., OAPEN, De Gruyter University of California Press Complete eBook-Package 2023, DOAB: Directory of Open Access Books, JSTOR eBooks: Open Access, & De Gruyter Open Access Books. (2023). Lived refuge: Gratitude, resentment, resilience. University of California Press. [Available at UBC Library]

Oza, J., & ProQuest (Firm). (2023). A history of burning: A novel. McClelland & Stewart. [Available at UBC Library]

Wong, T. (2024). All our ordinary stories: A multigenerational family odyssey. Arsenal Pulp Press. [Available at UBC Library]

For other book recommendations, check out the Asian Heritage Month Booklist from LiterASIAN’s official bookseller: Iron Dog Books, an Indigenous-owned bookshop in Vancouver. The UBC Bookstore also has a selection of book available about the history of Asian-Canadians.

Web Sources Cited

Government of Canada. (2021a, February 18). Noteworthy Canadians of Asian origin—Asian Heritage Month [Campaigns]. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/asian-heritage-month/noteworthy-figures.html

Government of Canada. (2021b, April 26). About Asian Heritage Month. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/asian-heritage-month/about.html

Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society. (2025). About Us. https://vahms.ca/about-us/

Applications for 2025/2026 Writer-in-Residence Program now open

In addition to literary excellence, we strongly encourage applicants to propose thoughtful, innovative, and well-developed ideas for programming to be undertaken during their residency. The application deadline is June 30, 2025.

Irving K. Barber Learning Centre undergoing building maintenance from April 28 to May 16

2025/2026 EDI Scholars-in-Residence Call for Applications Open

Manuscript Consultation Office Hour with UBC Library Writer-in-Residence Tsering Yangzom Lama

International Women’s Day 2025

Hello and welcome back to another blog post! I hope you all enjoyed last month’s post on Black History Month. In March, we’ll celebrate women— another group of people who make our world richer and brighter. Continue reading to learn about International Women’s Day, its history, and celebrations happening in Vancouver this year.

What is International Women’s Day?

According to the official International Women’s Day organization, International Women’s Day (IWD) is “a specific day dedicated to the advancement of women worldwide.” It occurs every year on March 8, and its goal is to honour the achievements of women across many areas of their lives. Social, economic, cultural, and political spheres all contain women who have contributed their knowledge and talents. IWD also serves as a day of advocacy to continue pushing for greater gender equality. The International Women’s Day organization encourages people to reflect on progress and commit to taking positive action towards gender equality.

The Government of Canada has created a theme for International Women’s Day 2025. The theme is “Strength in every story.” The aim of this theme is to highlight the importance of amplifying all women’s voices, especially those who continue to face intersectional barriers. Instead of only celebrating the stories of the most privileged women, IWD seeks to uplift all cisgender and transgender women, recognizing that every woman has a unique story to tell.

 

History of International Women’s Day

The history of International Women’s Day is described here on the official IWD website. Made up of collective action by many women, International Women’s Day began during the first wave of feminism. This “first wave” of the feminist movement occurred from the late 18th century to the early 20th century and included early women’s rights activists. These women fought for advancements like voting rights (also referred to as women’s suffrage) and access to education for girls. Some notable first wave feminists include:

  • Mary Wollstonecraft, who wrote activist texts including A Vindication of the Rights of Women and Thoughts on the Education of Daughters. Learn more about Mary Wollstonecraft’s work here.
  • Sojourner Truth, a Black woman who was born into slavery in New York state. After escaping enslavement, she traveled the country to share her faith in God and advocate for women’s rights. Her most famous speech, titled “Ain’t I a Woman?”, addresses the racism that impacts Black women in addition to gender inequality. Learn more about Sojourner Truth here.
  • Emmaline Pankhurst, a leader of the British movement for women’s suffrage. She formed the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) which worked towards achieving voting equality. Her philosophy of “deeds, not words” shifted the suffrage movement towards action-oriented public demonstrations. Learn more about Emmaline Pankhurst here.

The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than one million men and women attended rallies in these countries. After the first year of rallies, countries around the world began marking IWD as an official holiday throughout the 20th century. Women have taken great strides towards achieving gender equality in the last 100 years. Celebrities, governments, organizations, and major brands now support IWD each March. Even so, much work remains to be done. Continue reading to learn about ways to take action this year.

 

International Women’s Day 2025 Events

UBC is hosting a variety of events throughout March. See a list of all events here.

On March 14, the UBC Mental Health and Wellness for Women in STEM Conference will take place. The conference will act as a space for women in STEM fields at UBC. Speakers and workshops will address the importance of considering mental and physical wellbeing while working in male-dominated fields.

On March 22, Dr. Shohini Ghose will provide a book singing and talk. Dr. Ghose’s book Her Space, Her Time: How Trailblazing Women Scientists Decoded the Hidden Universe tells the stories of women physicists and astronomers who discovered fundamental rules of the universe, often not having their critical contributions acknowledged.

In Vancouver, the IWD Women’s March will take place on Saturday, March 8, from 1:00–4:00pm. The march will begin at the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza. This march values intersectional feminism, referring to the diverse experiences that women have when their identity as a woman overlaps with another marginalized identity. The march stands in solidarity with gender-diverse people and with all marginalized communities.

The City of Vancouver also offers local information about IWD.

 

UBC Library Materials

Want to learn more about IWD? Check out some relevant titles available through the library!

Adichie, C. N. (2014;2015;). We should all be feminists. Anchor Books. [Available at UBC Libraries]

Hart, J., Project Muse, & De Gruyter. (2023). A national park for women’s rights: The campaign that made it happen (1st ed.). Three Hills, an imprint of Cornell University Press. [Available at UBC Libraries]

hooks, b. (2015). Feminism is for everybody: Passionate politics. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315743189

Khader, S. J. (2024). Faux feminism: Why we fall for white feminism and how we can stop. Beacon Press. [Available at UBC Libraries]

Shetterly, M. L., Conkling, W., Freeman, L., & Shetterly, M. L. (2018). Hidden figures: The true story of four black women and the space race (First ed.). Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers. [Available at UBC Libraries]

 

Web Resources Cited

Government of Canada. (2024, March 18). International Women’s Day. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/international-womens-day.html

International Women’s. (n.d.-a). Learn about International Women’s Day (IWD). International Women’s Day. Retrieved March 6, 2025, from https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About-IWD

International Women’s Day. (n.d.-b). What’s the timeline of International Women’s Day? International Women’s Day. Retrieved March 6, 2025, from https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Timeline

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025a). Emmeline Pankhurst. In Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Emmeline-Pankhurst

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025b). Mary Wollstonecraft. In Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mary-Wollstonecraft

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025c). Sojourner Truth. In Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sojourner-Truth