June 2021
“Land acknowledgements root everyone back to the truth that we are still here." ... "Land acknowledgements are so much more than words spoken; when done well, they create ripples of healing past, present and future.” -Asha Frost Indigenous (Ojibwe) Medicine Woman
Hello! I chen tl'iḵ! Hola! Bonjour! Ciao! Salut! Salaam!
It makes us feel good to think that we are allies to others. Businesses place a Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion statement on their website and individuals replace their social media profile picture with an orange All Children Matter image. We feel like we are doing something, taking a stand.
But are we?
The word ally is a verb. Being an effective ally requires continued commitment, intention, and action. June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. It is a day to celebrate Indigenous culture and that is no small thing. For decades Indigenous people in Canada and across North America were
forbidden to practice their cultural ceremonies and speak their languages. Indigenous children were taken from their families and homes and sent to Residential Schools. With the recent discovery of the mass grave at a former Residential School in Kamloops, British Columbia the time to finally learn and do better is upon us. It is a shameful part of history. Today there is still racism and misunderstanding about Indigenous people.
Non-Indigenous people can – and must – act as allies to Indigenous people. That means action. The first step is educating ourselves on the experiences and cultures of Indigenous people. We invite you to read our latest blog post about Territorial Acknowledgements: Why They Matter and check out the resources below.
Remember, ally is a verb and we all have a part to play.
CBC. (2017, Dec 18) Namwayut: we are all one. Truth and reconciliation in Canada | Canada is ...[video].
Mark Your Calendars
JUNE - National Aboriginal History Month/Indigenous People's of Canada Month
JUNE - Pride Month
June 14-20 - Canadian Men's Health Week
June 13 - International Albinism Awareness Day
June 19 - Juneteenth (Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, Emancipation Day)
June 20 - World Refugee Day
June 21 - National Indigenous People's Day
June 27 - Canadian Multiculturalism Day
International days observed by the UN
Download our EDI Calendar for FREE here
Between the Pages
Adult Fiction
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
The Break by Katherena Vermette
Children’s Books
When We Were Alone by David Alexander Robertson and illustrated by Julie Flett
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade
Bramble Berry Tales available as an APP in four languages
Educational Non-Fiction
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph
Indigenous Relations: Insights, Tips & Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality by Bob Joseph with Cynthia F. Joseph
Indigenous Owned Bookstores
Raven Reads:
Massy Books
Iron Dog Books
