Happy Summer Solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day (#NIPD2021)!

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We are so happy to get to acknowledge, honour and celebrate the First Peoples and their relatives! With yesterday marking the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, it is fitting to celebrate these two occasions together. The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year, where the Sun remains in our celestial sphere for the most amount of time all year, and holds cultural and spiritual significance to Indigenous Peoples.

However, we cannot gather to celebrate Mother Earth and the gifts she gives, as well as, the language, cultures and ceremonies of Indigenous People around Canada without taking pause and acknowledging the hundreds of graves, long known but only recently found, at Canada’s residential school sites. We must reflect on our relationship with Indigenous Canadians, both the unfortunate and criminal historic as well as the future with all of its potential, if we commit to truth and reconciliation.

Solstice encourages all non-Indigenous people to increase their knowledge and understanding by exploring educational resources supported by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, communities and leaders.

Here are some links to affordable or free resources, we encourage all to do their own research and also explore certificate, diploma and other post-secondary options if you are interested.

Indigenous Awareness 101 is presented by Brad Spence, Saddle Lake First Nation Traditional Knowledge Keeper. This "introduction to the histories, cultures, and issues facing Indigenous Peoples in Canada" is offered through ECO Canada. The presentation is 1 hour long, with a question and answer period, and recommended reading/viewing.

"Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Topics for the 12 lessons include the fur trade and other exchange relationships, land claims and environmental impacts, legal systems and rights, political conflicts and alliances, Indigenous political activism, and contemporary Indigenous life, art and its expressions."

This course is taught by Dr. Tracy Bear and Dr. Paul L. Gareau.

You can enroll in this course for free, or earn a certificate for a modest fee, if you choose.

"Indspire is a national Indigenous registered charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people for the long term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. Their vision is to enrich Canada through Indigenous education and by inspiring achievement. In partnership with Indigenous, private and public sector stakeholders, Indspire educates, connects, and invests in First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people so they will achieve their highest potential."

Indspire also houses valuable resources on their website through Donor Resources, events, an e-Newsletter, the Indspiration magazine and Indspire Research Knowledge Nest Reports. 

 

This Solstice and #NIPD2021, we are grounding in growing, learning and listening to Indigenous people as we commit to truth and reconciliation. We hope you'll join us, too.

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