National Indigenous History Month
June in Canada marks National Indigenous History Month. The official National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples. In 1996, June 21st was chosen by the Governor General of Canada in corporation with Indigenous communities as a sentiment of the arrival of the summer solstice. The summer solstice, also known as midsummer, is when one of the Earth’s pole has its maximum tilt towards the sun, creating the highest daylight duration. For generations many Indigenous communities have celebrated on or near this day due to the spiritual significance of the longest day of the year.
Ways to Celebrate Indigenous History Month
Indigenous artists, vendors and performers are sharing their crafts, expertise and talents with all of Canada. Usually events and activities range from Indigenous music concerts, outdoor performances, theatre and dance including the infamous Pow Wow competitions. Canadians can enroll in Indigenous cooking or in arts & crafts projects or read about Indigenous culture. There are many events in which Elders teach Indigenous traditions and customs. Furthermore, Canadians can directly invest back into Indigenous communities through purchasing merchandise via local stores and marketplaces. At http://www.canada.ca/national-indigenous-peoples-day, you can browse through the yearly events.
Here are some contributions from Indigenous peoples:
PETROLEUM JELLY – Aboriginal people discovered petroleum jelly and used it to moisten and protect animal and human skin and promote healing. This skin ointment is one of the most popular in the world today.
SCURVY CURE- First Nations were the initial people to recognize that scurvy was not an infection but a malnutrition of vitamin C.
CANOES – Canoes made of bark and pitch varied greatly in size, depending on what they were needed for. Today’s recreational canoe is fashioned after this Aboriginal invention, and it, along with the kayak, is unsurpassed throughout the world for travelling over shallow or difficult waterways.
CHEWING GUM – Aboriginal people discovered the first chewing gum, which was collected from spruce trees. In the 1800s, sugar was added, and chewing gum has since become popular throughout the world.
UPSET STOMACH REMEDIES – A tea made with the entire blackberry plant was used for a number of sicknesses, including dysentery, cholera, and upset stomach. Eating the actual berry or drinking its juice was also an effective way to control diarrhea.
RESPIRATORY REMEDIES- Aboriginal people passed on the use of fir, pine and spruce trees to fight upper respiratory discomforts such as a stuffy nose or cough.
SPHAGNUM MOSS POWDER- Indigenous people also made moss powder to remedies skin irritations such as diaper rashes. This ingredient is present in many pharmaceutical over-the-counter drugs today.
URBAN PLANNING- The Quebec Cree Oujé-Bongoumou community was awarded international al recognition for it circular-shaped village. This village is not only recognized for its complex design but also its high functionality of the communities needs and culture.
Recognizing the Past for the Future
National Indigenous History Month has also sparked conversations about institutionalized racism across Canada. A recent video was released showing Chief Allan Adam of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation being shoved to the ground. Among this incident lay lower levels of education, poor housing conditions, lower income levels, lower rates of employment, high incarceration and poorer mental and physical health concerns in First Nation communities . In addition, there is a staggering high number of missing and murdered Indigenous women that continue to be neglected . We should recognize and acknowledge the past’s effect on today’s concurrent issues, and acknowledge our stay on Indigenous territories. Acknowledging the land is a traditional custom, spanning generations used by Indigenous people to welcome others onto their land. As a community, we can make a collective effort to learn more Indigenous stories and support policies in the best interest for Indigenous communities.
“Every society, in one way or another, lays claim to a territory. Within that claimed territory, a culture arises from the mutual relationship with the land. It is through this mutual relationship with the land, that cultural icons, symbols and images, values, customs, ceremonies, stories, songs and beliefs of the people are developed. These, in turn, are embodied into the very being of the people. - Dr. Leroy Little Bear”
References:
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1534874583157
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/theculturetrip.com/north-america/canada/articles/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-canadas-first-nations/%3famp=1
https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-INTER-HQ-ACH/STAGING/texte-text/nIPD_activity_guide_2018_1528380426091_eng.pdf
https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/june-solstice.html
https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/socstud/foundation_gr2/blms/2-2-1c.pdf
https://globalnews.ca/news/7091116/national-indigenous-day-calgary/
https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/8-key-issues-for-indigenous-peoples-in-canada
https://www.cbc.ca/missingandmurdered/
https://calgaryfoundation.org/about-us/vital-priorities/strengthening-relationships-with-indigenous-communities/land-acknowledgement/