Jun 01, 2020
It’s June, which, in Canada, is National Indigenous History Month, an opportunity to honour the heritage, contributions and cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.
With input from Indigenous Peoples’ national organizations, the Government of Canada designated June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day to celebrate Indigenous peoples’ culture and heritage. This date was chosen because it is near or on the date of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many Indigenous communities have celebrated their culture and heritage at this time of year.
The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, which always begins with June and ends around the Solstice, helps Canadians of all walks of life to recognize the enormous contributions that Inuit, First Nations and Métis peoples have made to Canada.
Usually held with great gatherings and mostly outdoors, this 2020 edition is a little different but no less filled with amazing virtual and socially distant content. Join them online as they bring together artists, vendors and performers online to share their crafts, expertise and talents with all of Canada. Tune into Indigenous music and performers, theatre and dance including a Social Distance Pow Wow competition. Register for Indigenous cooking and arts & crafts workshops; learn from Elders teachings and traditions; shop at the Virtual Marketplace. Education (Multi)Day is back for students and teachers as well as family packed done at home activities.
Check out their event-filled Facebook page to attend individual events; you can also take a look at their website to learn more about the festival itself and see everything else they have to offer.
Each year, the Ottawa Public Library celebrates First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada. It goes without saying that we will continue this great tradition, but this time, with an online twist due to current circumstances. Check out this page to learn about the concert and storytelling events we'll be hosting, as well as our other Indigenous resources.
On top of all these fun activities, the Ottawa Public Library will feature a remarkable book by an Algonquin Anishinaabe writer from the Timiskaming First Nation. Much like the BIG LIBRARY READS offered through OverDrive, this eRead is available to everyone for the month of June with no wait list.