Tansi
As a Cree person, and RPL’s Indigenous Services Advisor, I’m always proud to showcase Indigenous talent, artists, musicians, comedians, and to share traditional teachings from our cultural experts.
It feels strange not to gather in a physical space to celebrate and honour Indigenous peoples during National Indigenous History Month (NIHM), but I’ve had the privilege of working with an amazing team to coordinate an online celebration for our community over these past few weeks.
Our team from the library and the City of Regina’s Aboriginal City Employees Network wanted to create virtual opportunities for people of all ages and families to connect, experience and learn about Indigenous culture this month.
We also wanted to create opportunities to develop a deeper, more meaningful understanding of Reconciliation. Senator Murray Sinclair’s words were in the back of my mind as we planned:
"We have described for you a mountain. We have shown you a path to the top. We call upon you to do the climbing."
Our team believes that these culturally focused programs will build stronger relationships and community engagement within our community, and create opportunities for learning and better cross-cultural understanding of the Indigenous people’s histories and Ways of Knowing for non-Indigenous people.
I hope that you’ll join us in celebrating the work of the amazing, talented Indigenous people whose videos, programs and services we are showcasing online from June 1 to 30.
Book Talks: We are honoured to host two online book talks that celebrate the diverse stories by Indigenous voices, from two well-known Canadian Indigenous authors:
Online Programs: Experience Indigenous family storytelling and humour, and learn about the revitalization of Indigenous tattooing. Search through the many upcoming events.
Film Screening and Discussion: We are grateful to the Indian Head Museum for allowing us access to view the film, Knowledge Keepers: Sharing Stories from the Métis Community – an oral history project honouring Metis families of Indian Head and the Qu’Appelle Valley.
Year of the Métis Programs: Celebrate and learn more about the Métis people, their stories, dance, music, and art.
Coming soon!
You can find all the details on our NIHM offerings here, or visit our Reconciliation page for more resources.