National Indigenous History Month

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:

• Tanya Talaga is a visionary for Canada’s reconciliation journey, with many awards and recognitions to her name.  She is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers, with messages of truth, hope, and Indigenous inclusion in Canada.
• Waubgeshig Rice is an author and journalist originally from Wasauksing First Nation. His latest novel, Moon of the Crusted Snow, is a daring post-apocalyptic novel. Blending action and allegory, Moon of the Crusted Snow upends our expectations. Out of catastrophe comes resilience. And as one society collapses, another is reborn.

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!

• Videos: We worked with local Indigenous media specialist to create videos that share Tipi Teachings and traditional and modern techniques for Bannock Making. 
• NIHM Window Display: Download and colour the NIHM colouring page image, then display your finished art in your front window to show your support for National Indigenous Peoples Month.

You can find all the details on our NIHM offerings here, or visit our Reconciliation page for more resources.