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National Indigenous History Month

May 29, 2020

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.  

OPL Indigenous History Month eRead 

Starting  June 1, you are all invited to read Crow Winter by Karen McBride, an Algonquin Anishinaabe writer from the Timiskaming First Nation. The eBook will be available for everyone with no holds or waitlist for the full month! You will get the chance to read an awesome book and learn about the Trickster Nanabush. In addition, you are also invited to join an online discussion and Q&A with the author that will be streamed on Wednesday, June 24 at 7 p.m 

Read this blog for more information about the OPL Indigenous History Month eRead program. 

Online Musical Concert with Twin Flames

In the third week of June, music lovers will be thrilled to take a musical journey with award-winning  folk singers Twin Flames! Together, Chelsey June and Jaaji will transport listeners on a musical expedition across Canada and the Arctic. Their songs are written in Inuktitut, French, and English, and incorporate traditional and western instruments. This event will take place on Tuesday, June 16 at 7 pm.  

Children and Teen Storytelling with Daniel Richer 

National Indigenous History Month is a celebration for all ages, and a special event for children and teens will be part of the festivities. On Friday, June 19, we will be hosting storyteller Daniel Richer to share some of his favorite legends and stories inspired by oral traditions and the sacred circle of life. The English presentation will be at 1 p.m.; the French presentation will be at 2:30 p.m.  

 Reading List Updates 

This pandemic is a great opportunity to learn about Indigenous cultures, music, and literature. Look at our updated our Indigenous reading lists below: There is something for everyone to enjoy and discover.  

Indigenous Graphic Novel eBooks  

-eBooks and eAudiobooks by indigenous authors and illustrators  

More Indigenous reading suggestions - in English  

More Indigenous reading suggestions - in French 

We would like to thank the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association (FOPLA) for making all these events and activities possible. 

Enjoy Indigenous History Month – we hope to see you all virtually!