June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day; 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, known as Indigenous peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations may Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.
Below is a collection of educational, informative and entertaining video to check out on this very important day.
As Long as the Sun and Moon Shall Endure I Am a Treaty Person
Basel tells us that “In 8 months I will become a proud citizen of this country. At my citizenship ceremony I will swear “to faithfully observe the laws of Canada including treaties with Indigenous Peoples”. I live on the traditional and unceded territory of the Abegweit First Nation. I want Canada to be the best country it can be. To achieve this we must all practice respect for the agreements between indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians.”
Canada’s History – Basel A, Charlottetown, PEI
A Nation Moving Forward – Truth And Reconciliation
Jakob’s video entitled A Nation Moving Forward -Truth And Reconciliation provides an overview of the history of Canada’s residential schools and the development of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He discusses ‘how we as Canadians can help ensure the history of our Aboriginal communities isn’t forgotten but respected as we move forward as a Nation working together to correct the wrong that was done’.
https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2017/jakob-d
Canada’s History – Jakob, Napanee, ON
Fred Sasakamoose Eli explains “I wanted to create a project of one of my Indigenous heroes that have made a difference in not only Canadian/First Nations communities but also people living with disabilities.”
https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2019/eli-p Canada’s History – Eli P, Oromocto First Nation, New Brunswick
Indigenous People in WW1 Jonathan’s project looks at the contributions of Indigenous warriors in World War I. The project was inspired by his great grandfather Manson (Kayʌtahkehluˀ) who was an engineer in World War II. “I was curious to learn about my families participation in World War I. I did not find any family connections but learned about many soldiers from my home community, Oneida Nation of the Thames. I expanded my research to include soldiers with significant contributions from other First Nations in Ontario.”
https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2019/jonathan-l Canada’s History – Jonathan L, Oneida Nation of the Thames, ON Action Needed –
Before it’s too Late Kaylea explains that “many Indigenous languages are slowing disappearing and with it the culture of our people. Today almost all of the Indigenous languages have disappeared across Canada. Mohawk is one of those endangered. Today in Tyendinaga we have only have a very few Mohawk speakers. If our language disappears we will lose many of the things important to our culture along with it – our ceremonies, our legends, all of the things that make our culture unique. We at Quinte Mohawk are the future of our community and we are the ones that must take action if our language is to survive. We must bring our words back.”
https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2017/kaylea-b
Canada’s History – Kaylea, Tyendinaga, ON
Doóli Laws Madison’s project is about traditional Laws in Pelly Crossing, Yukon Territory. “These are the laws we hope for our younger generation to follow, respect and carry on.”
https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2017/madison-g Canada’s History – Madison, Pelly Crossing, Yukon Territory MHCC Headstrong -
Aboriginal Youth MHCC Headstrong: Iniskim Centre, Mont Royal University (Calgary,AB) Theme(s): https://youtu.be/A31JqE-YxIA
TRAILER - Spirit Bear and Children Make History Spirit Bear and Children Make History tells the true story of a landmark human rights case for First Nations children at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and how Spirit Bear and his friends stood with First Nations children and helped make Jordan’s Principle a reality. Theme(s): Child & youth engagement / Child rights / Child welfare / Education / Equality/equity / First Nations / I am a Witness / Jordan's Principle / Social justice / Spirit Bear / Tribunal
Age Group: Early Childhood (0-4) / Primary Grades (4-12) / Junior Grades (12-14) / Senior Grades (14-18) / Post-Secondary
https://player.vimeo.com/video/480985686?h=f6f449b94f
Dr. Cindy Blackstock OC FRSC is a Canadian Gitxsan activist for child welfare and executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. She is also professor for the School of Social Work at McGill University.
Dr. Cindy Blackstock and Helaina Gaspard on the importance of evidence-based funding
Dr. Cindy Blackstock has 25 years of social work experience in child protection and Indigenous children's rights and is a widely sought after public speaker. She is a respected advocate for First Nations children and youth, widely known for holding the Canadian government to account for systemic discrimination against First Nations children and families.
Akwesasne History Project: 60's Scoop The 60’s Scoop was a governmental policy that placed indigenous children in non- native homes for fostering and adoption. An Akwesasronon survivor shares her story about severed ties with family, culture and language, and the policy changes created to focus on keeping families together. This video includes an interview with Dr. Cindy Blackstock.
Theme(s): 60s Scoop / Child rights / First Nations / Human rights / Reconciling History https://youtu.be/UetVm6Rql0E
Spirit Bear's Guide to Reconciliation: #Hibernating4Health Spirit Bear presents his guide to reconciliation, the #Hibernating4Health edition! Follow along on how you can participate in making reconciliation a reality for First Nations kids in COVID-19 safe ways. Theme(s): Child & youth engagement / Education / First Nations / Human rights Age Group: Early Childhood (0-4) / Primary Grades (4-12) / Junior Grades (12-14) / Senior Grades (14-18) / Post-Secondary
Is it really genocide? In Canada? Theme(s): Child welfare / Equality/equity / Indian Residential Schools / MMIWG / Social justice
How to change systemic racism in Canada
"What does racism look like in Canada? In this web series called "First Things First," Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, tells us the story of Jordan River Anderson and why she continues to fight the Canadian government to gain rights for Indigenous children."
Theme(s): Child welfare / I am a Witness / Jordan's Principle / Tribunal
Age Group: Primary Grades (4-12) / Junior Grades (12-14) / Senior Grades (14-18) / Post-Secondary
Cultural Safety: Respect and Dignity in Relationships A video from Northern Health BC: "This 5 minute animated video introduces cultural safety and related concepts in an easily understandable way. It invites health care providers to participate in making the health system more culturally safe for Indigenous people and families. The video was produced by the Indigenous Health (formerly Aboriginal Health) team of Northern Health. Visit http://indigenoushealthnh.ca."
Theme(s): Health https://youtu.be/MkxcuhdgIwY
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