Jun 07, 2024
National Indigenous History Month is celebrated in June, a time to honor the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This month, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) offers a variety of programs and events to celebrate and learn about Indigenous cultures.
This year, your place to celebrate National Indigenous History Month is at OPL. There are many programs to choose from, and registration is now open.
To kick off the series of events, take a break and attend a lunch hour concert with Indigeous artist Mali Obomsawin, on Monday June 10th attend a concert at 11:30am -12:30pm.
Mali is a bassist, singer-songwriter and composer from Odanak First Nation, and one of GRAMMY.com’s top ten emerging jazz artists to watch this year. Mali is joined by two steadfast collaborators, Magdalena Abrego (guitar) and Allison Burik (woodwinds), who will perform intimate arrangements from Sweet Tooth in addition to new explorations of this sonic landscape. Registration required for Zoom link.
NAC Indigenous Book Club with Joshua Whitehead
Join us on Tuesday, June 11, at 7 PM for an engaging book club event featuring "Making Love with the Land," a book of essays by Joshua Whitehead. This event will be held in-person and live-streamed.
Feel the Heartbeat - Interactive Music Workshop
This interactive workshop introduces participants of all ages to Indigenous music. Learn about the "heartbeat" of Mother Earth and try stomp dance songs using traditional rattles.
Dates & Locations:
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Saturday, June 8: St-Laurent Branch (French) - 10:30 AM
Corn Husk Dolls - Story and Craft
Learn the story behind one of history's oldest toys, the corn husk doll. Participants will make their own dolls and learn the importance of community through this traditional craft.
Dates & Locations:
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Tuesday, June 25: Rockcliffe Park Branch - 6 PM
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Saturday, June 29: Ruth E. Dickinson Branch - 10:30 AM
Spirit Horse Stories with Rhonda Snow
Rhonda Snow shares stories through her artwork in this engaging program for adults, highlighting the richness of Indigenous narratives and visual art.
Dates & Locations:
Pow Wow Workout with Amanda Fox
A bilingual Pow Wow workout session led by Amanda Fox, suitable for seniors. Join us for a fun and culturally enriching physical activity.
Dates:
Find OPL at the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, which is taking place from June 21-23 at the Mādahòkì Farm at 4420 West Hunt Club Road. Artists of all genres come together to bring extraordinary and breathtaking cultural performances to Ottawa residents, come say hello to the Sprinter van and check out books, grab some OPL branded gifts and say hello to staff on Saturday June 22.
All this and more at your OPL branches throughout June 2024. Join us in celebrating National Indigenous History Month, cultivating the joys of learning, understanding, and appreciating Indigenous cultures! For more information on our programs and to register, visit OPL National Indigenous History Month Programs.