June is National Indigenous History Month, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Turtle Island. Indigenous Peoples Day also falls within the month on June 21, coinciding with the summer solstice. Every year on this day, activities are organized across the country to showcase the richness and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultural expressions and stories.
In honour of Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples Day, the Niagara College Button at the Welland Campus and Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake will be illuminated orange throughout the week of June 17.
There are also community events happening on June 21 and through the weekend that employees and students are encouraged to attend. See event details below.
To allow Indigenous employees and students to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day in community with family and friends, NC’s Indigenous Education department will be hosting an event in honour of the day at a later date in July. Please stay tuned for details.
Niagara College’s land acknowledgement updated
One way NC Community members can participate in Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples Day is by educating themselves on the peoples/nations of the territory they reside on and their rich history. If you are unsure where to start, you can always use websites like Whose Land.
In partnership, with Indigenous Education and the Indigenous Education Management Circle (IEMC), a land acknowledgement website was created and features an updated land acknowledgement for Niagara College, guidance on how to give a meaningful land acknowledgement and learning resources.
A land acknowledgement should not be confused with, a “welcome to territory statement,” which would be given by a member of an Indigenous nation whose territory an event is being held on. A land acknowledgement should ideally be delivered by non-Indigenous people at an event and should illustrate that the person delivering it has taken the time to reflect on their relationship to the land and/or their commitment to action toward Indigenous rights.
“We updated our Indigenous land acknowledgment to reflect a deeper understanding of our own personal connection to the land, and respect for the traditional territories in the Niagara region,” said Leah Hogan, NC’s Director, Indigenous Education. “Recognizing the importance of accurate and inclusive acknowledgments, we sought to incorporate feedback from our IEMC to ensure our statement aligns with historical accuracy.”
Community events and learning resources
The Niagara College community is encouraged to explore the growing collection of Indigenous resources, which are available through the NC Libraries and Learning Commons, and to get involved with local Indigenous events.
Community events
Niagara Regional Native Centre
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Date: Friday, June 21, 2024
Time: 12 to 4 p.m.
Location: 382 Airport Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Join the Centre for a day of tradition and fun including jingle dress special, delicious traditional food, community paint projects, archery and more. View poster for full details.
All are welcome to attend.
Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre
Indigenous Peoples Day
Date: Friday, June 21, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 796 Buffalo Rd, Fort Erie, ON L2A 5H2
Craft vendors, lacrosse demonstrations, children’s activities, special guest speakers, Indian cookie contest, cultural/dance demonstrations and food. View poster for full details.
All are welcome!
Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle Pow Wow
Gathering of the Good Minds
Date: Sunday, June 23, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: 5943 Sylvia Pl Niagara Falls, ON
Community teachings, giving thanks for food/lunch and social. View poster for full details.
All are welcome to attend.
Niagara Falls Illumination
On June 21, 2024, Niagara Falls will be illuminated in honour of Indigenous Peoples Day. Please see the illumination calendar for further details.
Learning resources
- For information about Indigenous Education at NC, visit the Indigenous Education website
- Explore a variety of Indigenous books, e-books, online videos and films and podcasts which are available from the NC Libraries and Learning Commons
- Learn more about Indigenous Peoples Day on the Government of Canada website
- Rekindling All Our Relations – An Indigenous Audio Tour of the Niagara Glen
- Review the CiCAN Indigenous Education protocol
- Review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action
