Throughout the week, READ: “Week 1: Land & Identity”

“At the core of all Indigenous resistance is the inextinguishable desire to live on and with our homelands, as Indigenous people.” - The Yellowhead Institute.

This week the Yellowhead Institute released “From Askiy to the Sea: A Solidarity Reading List on Settler Colonial Contexts,” as “one modest reflection of that shared struggle and desire for solidarity, meant to make links between Palestine and other settler colonial contexts in order to understand and explain this relationship better.”

Western University’s Biindigen Indigenous Learning Circle was created to make space for the campus community to engage in critical dialogue around issues faced by Indigenous people as a result of ongoing settler-colonialism, informed by historical and contemporary contexts. Our collective learning and unlearning of the intersecting and connected struggles of all oppressed peoples strengthens our campus’ capacity for solidarity and action towards interrogating and dismantling the systems and structures that further entrench racism and oppression in our institution, and everyday lives.

“By no means is this reading list exhaustive or comprehensive, this offering curates some texts and media by Palestinian and Indigenous peoples from what is sometimes called Turtle Island – along with a few allied writers – conversing with one another about land and identity, settler colonialism, solidarity, poetry and liberation.”

Each week of Biindigen’s 30 Day Indigenous History Month challenge parallels five of the seven weeks outlined in “From Askiy to the Sea,” ending with a call to continue to learn and unlearn, in the spirirt of lifelong learning.

Engage: From Askiy to the Sea: A Solidarity Reading List on Settler Colonial Contexts - Yellowhead Institute

About the Yellowhead Institute: “Yellowhead Institute is an Indigenous-led research and education centre based in the Faculty of Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University. The Institute privileges Indigenous philosophy and amplifies Indigenous voices that provide alternatives to settler colonialism in Canada today. Rooted in community networks, Yellowhead offers critical and accessible resources to support the reclamation of Indigenous land and life.”

To read, click here

ATTEND: Replanting in the Coves: a closing celebration

• Meet in the parking lot of the German Canadian Club (1 Cove Road)
• Join McIntosh Gallery and the Coves Collective on Saturday, June 1st to celebrate the close of the exhibition "unclaim. unsettle. belong" in the Coves. During this event, we will transplant plants grown during the exhibition to the land on which the exhibition centers following a guided community walk.
• The trails are considered easy and are generally flat and well-worn, but they are not paved and may not be accessible to all. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather as the event will proceed rain or shine.

Facebook event

Location and direction, here

ATTEND: Danica Pawlick-Potts: “What Does Kinship Mean for AI?”

• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Wampum Learning Lodge
• AI & Indigenous Knowledge Systems session for ‘AI & Education Symposium’ o Open to all, registration required

Danica Pawlick-Potts is an Indigenous PhD Candidate and lecturer in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at Western University. Danica’s research explores how Indigenous knowledge and protocols including Indigenous data sovereignty can guide and enhance ethical frameworks for the development of algorithmic systems and data infrastructures. If she had to sum up her research agenda into one question it would be: how can we all (including AI—looking at you ChatGPT) be good kin to Indigenous peoples in our data practices?

READ: Pow Wow Etiquette 

ATTEND: 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations 3rd Annual 2-Spirit Pow Wow

• Grand Entry at 11 a.m. at Downsview Park, North York

“Please come with a good heart and mind. This is a 2-Spirit event. This is a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Discrimination of any sort will not be tolerated.”

2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations JOIN US FOR OUR 3RD ANNUAL 2-SPIRIT POWWOW!!! – 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations ( 2spirits.org)

SHOP: Gwetaandaawe Market of Aamjiwnaang First Nation

• Aamjiwnaang Maawn Doosh Gumig Community and Youth Centre (1972 Virgil Avenue, Sarnia)
• Indigenous Artisans, Crafters, & Food Vendors

 IDENTIFY: A native plant species in one of your favourite green spaces!

Get outside and/or in your garden and show us the native plants you observe, plant or forage! Tag us on Twitter @WesternUOII or on Instagram @WesternUILS and use the hashtag #WesternUBiindigen. If you are on campus, register to participate in Biodiversity Western’s Biodiversity Inventory and record your observations using iNaturalist! 

Biodiversity Inventory - Community - Western University (uwo.ca)

iNaturalist! 

Biodiversity Inventory - Community

ATTEND: 5K Run/Walk/Talk/Love in honour of Ashley AK47 Nichols

• Ceremony and Celebration starts at 12 p.m. & 5K begins at 12:45 p.m.
• Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School (1401 Clark Avenue West, Thornhill)
• $30 Donation includes a custom Ashley AK47 Bib (all proceeds will be donated to Chippewas of the Thames)

Location and direction, here

ACKNOWLEDGE: MMIWG REPORT ANNIVERSARY (RELEASED JUNE 3, 2019)

• June 3 is the anniversary of the release of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirits Report
• READ: A report card on the MMIWG inquiry's calls for justice (CBC News)
• READ: MMIWG2S+ and the failure of policing (Nickita Longman - Yellowhead Institute)

A report card on the MMIWG 

MMIWG2S+ and the failure of policing

ATTEND: Memorial Round Dance for MMIWG2S+ at Parliament Hill

• Event from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Parliament Hill, Ottawa
• Hosted by Families of Sisters in Spirit, Assembly of Seven Generations, Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW), The Urban Indigenous Action Group, and Women of the Métis Nation

This Round Dance will honour survivors and families of MMIWG2S+ (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People) and commemorate the 5th anniversary of the release of the Calls to Justice in the National Inquiry into MMIWG in 2019. We invite you to join us to show your support and acknowledgement for this meaningful occasion. Your presence will help raise awareness and drive action in response to calls for justice and hope for healing.

Location and direction, here 

COLOUR: Urban Iskwew Free Colouring Pages (Artwork by Hawlii Pichette)

• https://www.urbaniskwew.com/coloring-pages
• (Coloring Pages | Urbaniskwew)
• https://www.urbaniskwew.com/

ONLINE EVENT: Walking Together: Strengthening Indigenous-Newcomer Allyship

• From 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Hosted by Allies for Refugee Integration (ARI), funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

“In today's global context, many individuals seeking refuge are uprooted from their native lands for various reasons, such as persecution, war, or famine, and seek safety in the land now known as Canada. However, newcomers may lack knowledge about the People who have cultivated this land for thousands of years. Settlement sector workers and sponsors could play a crucial role in decolonizing newcomers' perspectives of Indigenous Peoples. Additionally, we'll explore whether there are any successful initiatives within the sector that are already in motion.

Share your ideas, experiences, and learn from our exceptional panel of speakers.”

More Details and Registration, here

LISTEN: LANDBACK FOR THE PEOPLE S2 EP2 with Macklemore (47 min)

LANDBACK For the People is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you listen to podcasts – as well as with video available on YouTube.

Independent artist Benjamin Hammond Haggerty – better known by his stage name Macklemore – is the featured guest on this episode. He speaks vulnerably about his journey to understand the intertwined nature of white supremacy, colonization, oppression, land theft, and more. On the episode, Tilsen and Macklemore delve into how they met at a rally for Palestinian liberation, politically educating their children, reckoning with past cultural appropriation, the fear white people have of losing power, landback movements across the globe, and more.

Anishinaabe Giizhigad Celebrations!

Mino-waawiidandaa Anishinaabe Giizhigad! Let’s celebrate Anishinaabe Day!

WATCH: “Who are the Anishinabek?”

UNION OF ONTARIO INDIANS – Who Are the Anishinaabeg? (anishinabek.ca)

LIVESTREAM: Anishinabek Nation’s Anishinaabe Giizhigad Celebration Livestream

Celebrate with Anishinabek Nation on June 6, via YouTube livestream from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Anishinabek Nation

Anishinabek Nation

LESSON PLANS: UNION OF ONTARIO INDIANS – Anishinaabe Giizhigad (anishinabek.ca)

Location and direction,  here

WATCH: Relationships with Water: An Anishinaabe Perspective from Betsy Kechego

In honour of Earth Day and the spring season, our Elder-in-Residence, Betsy Kechego, reminded us of our responsibilities to nurture and grow our relationships with Water, both as individuals and as a wider community. Her reminders hold for all times of the year.

Watch, here 

ATTEND: ReconciliACTION: MMIWG2S+ Healing and Justice

We are continuing with a day-long forum that will include a combination of speakers, cultural teachings, discussion and hands-on activities to promote learning and healing. Drop in when you can throughout the day, but please register here.

Location and direction, here

More Details and Registration, here

Throughout the week, READ: “Week 2: Settler Colonialism”

“This history of conquest and domination is familiar to Indigenous peoples living under Canadian and United States settler colonialism. All three settler states have been assembled through a steady encroachment of white settlers, displacement of Indigenous peoples, bureaucratic and militarized elimination tactics and techniques, and the establishment of settler institutions.” – from the Yellowhead Institute’s ‘From Askiy to the Sea: A solidarity Reading List on Settler Colonialism’

From Askiy to the Sea: A Solidarity Reading List on Settler Colonial Contexts - Yellowhead Institute

To read, click here 

READ: Grassy Narrows Pollution Worsens Update

www.cbc.ca

 Read, here

EXPLORE: Google Map –Indigenous Art around the City

Check out this map created by Sara Mai Chitty, Curriculum & Pedagogy Advisor for the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, and create your own Indigenous Art Walk. Let us know where you visited on social media using the hashtag #WesternUBiindigen

Indigenous art around London, ON

Indigenous art around London, ON

Aamjiwnaang FN Emergency / Chemical Valley

On Friday, April 26, Aamjiwnaang First Nation officially declared a local State of Emergency due to the ongoing and excessive discharge of benzene from INEOS Styrolution’s facility after days of Aamjiwnaang community members reporting breathing difficulties, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. This is not uncommon for Aamjiwnaang, a community surrounded by one of Canada’s most densely polluted industrial areas known as Chemical Valley.

READ: Data Colonialism in Canada's Chemical Valley - Yellowhead Institute (2023)

• “This report is about the relationship between the petrochemical industry in Ontario’s Chemical Valley and Aamjiwnaang First Nation. Central to this relationship is pollution: the spills, flares, air releases and how those events are communicated to the community.” – Yellowhead Institute

ONLINE EVENT: Strong Indigenous Voices and their Role virtual presentation with Tina Stevens

• Hosted by London Indigenous Teaching & Sharing Circles (LITS Circles)
• From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST (online)

“In this engaging event with Tina Stevens, Tina will describe the importance of hearing the wisdom of Indigenous Voices, the role these can have for us allies to make wiser choices. We so often think that we non-indigenous people have the better answers toward a peaceful and eco-friendly world. We don’t! Come, hear the wise voices Tina will present.”

• Register ($20): https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/strong-indigenous-voices-and-roles-tickets-899312236107
• More information: https://www.kairoscanada.org/event/strong-indigenous-voices-and-their-role

Register, here

More information, here

ONLINE EVENT: Residential School History and Legacy 101 workshops

• Hosted by National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• From 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. EST (7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. CT (Manitoba)

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation team is now offering free monthly Residential School History and Legacy 101 webinars on an ongoing basis. Open to all and free to attend.

Register in advance: https://umanitoba.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LMkWjV1bSVWR4N5kVMvmxg

More details and future sessions: https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/indigenous/event/residential-school-history-and-legacy-101-workshops/

Register, here

More information, here

ATTEND: Purpose and Intention: Exploration of Creativity – Exhibit by Leith Mahkewa

• Exhibition: May 30 – June 20 at the artLAB Gallery in the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre

“This exhibit is a culmination of Leith Mahkewa’s time as the Indigenous Artist in Resident at Western University. Although the focal art piece of her residency was the production a cradleboard adorned with beadwork, she also produced many beaded items which are pictured in the exhibit.

One of the goals Leith during her residency goes beyond the boundaries of UWO’s campus and Westerns Wampum Lodge to her community, Oneida Nation of the Thames. Leith’s intentions while at Western was to help increase the visibility and use of cradleboards by those within her community. The avenue that she chose was to encourage a group of women to explore their beadwork journey and to encourage them to bring the cradleboard home for themselves to use or for their families to see its utility and beauty.”

Full description here: https://www.uwo.ca/visarts/artlab/upcoming/index.html

Event 
description, here

READ: Indigenous Peoples: A Starting Place for the History of Higher Education in Canada

“Is it time to rewrite the history of higher education in Canada?”

https://activehistory.ca/blog/2016/01/25/rethinking-higher-education-colonialism-and-indigenous-peoples/

Read, here

ATTEND: N’Amerind Friendship Centre Annual Children’s Pow Wow

• Grand Entry at 11 a.m.
• Prince Charles Public School (1601 Wavell St., London)
• Free family-friendly event page, click here

Event location, here

Event 
description, here

WATCH: What are Wampum Belts? (Anishinabek Nation)

READ: Laws Braided Into Belts: Three Haudenosaunee Wampum Belts you should know

“Cayuga Sub-Chief and Faithkeeper Jock Hill on how Wampum Belts came to be — and the knowledge they contain within their strands” (Canadian Geographic)

Laws braided into belts: three Haudenosaunee Wampum Belts you should know | Canadian Geographic

Read, here

LISTEN: Biindigen June 2024 Playlist

Listen on Spotify, here

Listen, here

Throughout the week, READ: “Week 3: Solidarity & Relationality”

“When solidarity between Palestinian and Indigenous peoples in Canada and the United States emerges to respond to the dynamics of settler colonialism, it is grounded by deep respect, reciprocity, inspiration, and collaboration.” – from the Yellowhead Institute’s ‘From Askiy to the Sea: A solidarity Reading List on Settler Colonialism’

From Askiy to the Sea: A Solidarity Reading List on Settler Colonial Contexts - Yellowhead Institute

To read, click here 

CARE: Greenspace Clean-Up

Bring a garbage bag to a greenspace you know needs some care and pick up/clean up the area. Bring your friends/family to make an even bigger impact!

VISIT: Seeing Red: Movie Posters Indigenized by CHIPPEWAR at Museum London

• Runs April 20, 2024 to January 12, 2025

Jay Soule, working under the pseudonym "CHIPPEWAR," has been combining art and activism since the early 2010s. Using vivid colors, contemporary illustration techniques, and humor, Soule sheds light on topics like Residential Schools, the Doctrine of Discovery, and enduring Indigenous stereotypes. This exhibition brings together a selection of his posters satirizing blockbuster movie classics like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Back to the Future with the aim of exposing and criticizing the enduring legacy of colonialism in Canada.

Website: https://museumlondon.ca/exhibitions/seeing-red-movie-posters-indigenized-by-chippewar

Event 
description, here

WATCH: Land Acknowledgement | Baroness von Sketch Show (2 min)

Youtube, CBC Comedy

EXPLORE: Hidden Histories Map

“History is all around us and its meaning changes and evolves with time and experience.

Some histories are well known because they tell us something about our large communities, usually those with governments, such as nation-states, provinces, and municipalities.”

The fight for liberation and erasure of history is a shared fight. By clicking on the map, it becomes interactive; explore local London histories and see how many points you can find that represent Indigenous histories, stories, and people.

Know something is missing? You can submit stories to be added!

Hidden Histories of Southwestern Ontario | Huron Community History Centre (huronresearch.ca)

LEARN MORE: Connection to Water & Language by Biinaagami

Biinaagami knows we share a collaborative responsibility to protect the lands and waters in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watershed, consisting of storytellers, Indigenous leaders, educators, scientists, artists, filmmakers, and change-makers.

Explore their website, and choose a story from each of the People, Place, and Wildlife groups.

Learn more, here

https://www.biinaagami.org/learn

IN PERSON EVENT: Anishinaabemowin Language Nest with Betsy Waawaaskone Kechego

Follow the Wampum Learning Lodge on facebook for updates!

VIRTUAL EVENT: Public Virtual Hodinohsho:ni Governance Workshop

• Registration Required: Tickets are $10 donation to the education department of Woodland Cultural Centre
• Starts at 6:00 p.m. (45-minute Workshop followed by 45-minute Q&A Debrief)

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/woodland-cultural-centre/events/june-tour-2024/

https://woodlandculturalcentre.ca/upcoming-events/

The Woodland Cultural Centre is hosting a virtual Hodinohsho:ni Governance workshop on June 19th at 6pm. Your donation will help support our education department to create and deliver virtual programming at the Woodland Cultural Centre. We want to continue to deliver the highest quality programs centered on a Hodinohsho:ni worldview, celebrating, and sharing Indigenous cultures, languages, and art.

Topics covered include the Hodinohsho:ni system of governance, use of wampum, the Royal Proclamation, the Haldimand Proclamation, the Indian Act and how these conflicted with the traditional Hodinohsho:ni Governance structure

Don't miss your opportunity to be a part of this important discussion and expand your knowledge of the governance structures of Hodinohsho:ni people. Be sure to join the Woodland Cultural Centre during National Indigenous History Month for this amazing learning opportunity!

LEARN MORE: Indigenous Climate Action

Indigenous Knowledge is critical for observing, understanding, and achieving climate change action and climate justice. Explore these three resources to learn more about Indigenous-led Climate Action!

• Climate Atlas of Canada – Indigenous Knowledges:  https://climateatlas.ca/indigenous
• Indigenous Climate Hub: https://indigenousclimatehub.ca/
• Indigenous Climate Action: https://www.indigenousclimateaction.com/

ATTEND: 
Thursday, June 20; 1-2:30 p.m. EST 
Indigenous Climate Action roundtable discussion hosted by the Canadian Climate Institute and the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources.

"Hear from Nicole Davies on community-responsive policy for Indigenous agricultural adaptation and food sovereignty, Alexa Metallic on reflective strategies Inuit have used to ensure appropriate engagement and representation of their knowledge, laws, and worldviews in climate policy, and Naqsmist—Elaine Alec, Ryan Day, Jake Rogger, Christopher Derickson, Moe Nadeau, and Lydia Pengilley on decolonizing climate policy through ceremony based on research, collective experiences, and findings from B.C. Assembly of First Nations Spiritual Knowledge Keepers Gathering on Climate Change.

We’ll also tackle questions of decolonization and unpack “Two-Eyed Seeing,” a concept where Indigenous and Western knowledge systems can complement one another’s strengths to help inform and create holistic policies for the benefit of all. ✨"

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2s3f5khn

KEEP LEARNING:

Sign up to take the next cohort of Connecting for Climate Change Action!

Next course runs: Sept - Dec 2024 (exact dates TBD)

Registration opens on August 1 at 9 a.m. EST.

To receive a reminder when registration opens JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

Trailer:

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY / SUMMER SOLSTICE

ATTEND: Indigenous Solidarity Day @ The Green (Wortley Village)

• The Green: 206-226 Wortley Road, London
• Events Calendar and Registration – Atlohsa

ATTEND: Indigenous Solidarity Day in Oneida

“Join us on Solidarity Day for a full day of celebration of Oneida culture, fun, food, fireworks and more!”

Throughout the week, READ: “Week 4: Gender and Sexuality”

“In the U.S. and Canada, the aggressive suppression of sexual expression and gender diversity is foundational to the formation of the two white settler societies.” – from the Yellowhead Institute’s ‘From Askiy to the Sea: A solidarity Reading List on Settler Colonialism’

From Askiy to the Sea: A Solidarity Reading List on Settler Colonial Contexts - Yellowhead Institute

ONLINE EVENT: Indigenous Inclusive Learning Spaces with Candace Linklater

• Hosted by Moms Against Racism’s MAR Talks from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Featuring Guest Speaker Candace Linklater (Founder, Relentless Indigenous Woman)

MAR is thrilled to have Candace Linklater from Relentless Indigenous Woman Co. joining us for a conversation on creating inclusive and welcoming learning environments for Indigenous children and youth. Let's dive deep on how anti-Indigenous sentiment, colonialism and racism impact Indigenous children in learning environments and how we can do better!

We will discuss questions like:

• What does it mean to have Indigenous Inclusive education models?
• How do we incorporate the values of reconciliation into our schools?
• How do we measure where we are successful and where we need change?
• What more can we be doing in our schools, homes and communities to support Indigenous children and families?

Registration Required, here (Free)

READ: Pow Wow Etiquette

https://www.powwows.com/pow-wow-etiquette2/

ATTEND: Aamjiwnaang First Nation 61st Annual Pow Wow

• Gates Open at 10:00 a.m. – Everyone is Welcome!
• More Info: www.aamjiwnaang.ca

WATCH: The Great Salish Heist at Hyland Cinema

• Featuring a special guest Q & A with actress Ashley Callingbull (Enoch Cree Nation)
• In 2015, Ashley Callingbull became the first Canadian and first First Nations woman to be crowned Miss Universe. She was also part of the first First Nations team on The Amazing Race Canada and is an In Game Host for the National Hockey League, Canadian Football League, and the National Lacross League. She is also an Indigenous activist, motivational speaker, and model.

The Great Salish Heist is described as the first-ever Indigenous heist film.

“Steve Joe is a traditional archaeologist with the Moquohat Nation. Down on his luck, with bad things befalling him and others, Steve wants to set things right. The ancestors demand the repatriation of sacred artifacts so loved ones can finally be at rest, including a loved one whose tragic death haunts Steve in his sleep. Alas, the artifacts are in the hands of the dreaded Royal Western Canadian Museum, who's shipping the First Nations exhibition to Europe so "white

peoples can gawk." So, turning to others on the Rez, Steve assembles a crack team of burglars while trying to bamboozle a wealthy and diabolical Russian mobster obsessed with collecting artifacts.”

https://hylandcinema.com/movie/the-great-salish-heist

Trailer:

READ: Pow Wow Etiquette

https://www.powwows.com/pow-wow-etiquette2/

ATTEND: Aamjiwnaang First Nation 61st Annual Pow Wow

• Gates Open at 10:00 a.m. – Everyone is Welcome!
• More Info: www.aamjiwnaang.ca

IN-PERSON EVENT: National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration at Woodland Cultural Centre

The Woodland Cultural Centre invites all to attend their National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration on Sunday, June 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Join us for live contemporary and cultural performances, interactive demonstrations including traditional dance and sports, hands on workshops for all ages, shopping with local vendors and artisans, Indigenous foods and more. Tours of our museum and galleries will be available with our knowledgeable guides throughout the day.

There will be an Indigenous Market and food trucks on-site for the day! We encourage you to bring cash for easy payment to vendors. No ATMs on site!

Cost: Free with a suggested $10 donation to the Woodland Cultural Centre

Event location, here

Event 
description, here

FOLLOW: (and learn from) these five Indigenous Social Media Pages:

1. 1. DecolonizeMyself (Instagram: decolonizemyself | Facebook: facebook.com/decolonizemyself)
   2. Seeing Red Media (Instagram: WeAreSeeingRed | Facebook: facebook.com/seeingred6nations)
   3. Relentless Indigenous Woman (Instagram: relentless_indig_woman | Facebook: facebook.com/relentlessindigenouswoman)
   4. Dr Autumn Blackdeer (Instagram: Drblackdeer | Twitter: DrBlackDeer)
   5. Indigenizing Arts Education (Instagram: indigenizingartsed | www.emxaguilar.net)

READ: Universities need to revisit their founding stories

Article for The Conversation, by Thomas Peace and Candace Brunette-Debassige

“Indigenous histories often go unrecognized in institutional memories.”

Read, here

ATTEND: Ask the Experts – Special Edition: Indigenous Allyship in the Workplace

In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, Nokee Kwe, the London Chamber of Commerce, the City of London and Libro Credit Union have come together to create the First Employ Project.

This Indigenous-led initiative is focused on leveraging the strengths of Indigenous Peoples and fostering inclusive economic growth. The business community has obligations under Call to Action 92 from the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This project is designed to assist businesses meet those obligations by laying out clear, actionable steps towards meaningful economic reconciliation.

Event location, here

Event description, here

ONLINE EVENT: Indigenous Queerness: The Colonizers Brought the Closet

“The Indigenous Equity Branch, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the OPS Pride Network and Nation to Nation are proud to present "Indigenous Queerness: The Colonizers Brought the Closet,"a panel presentation with guest speaker Riley Yesno.

Riley Yesno is a queer Anishinaabe scholar, writer and commentator from Eabametoong First Nation.

She is highly sought after for her words and analysis— called an 'Indigenous powerhouse' by the Toronto Star— she has been a contributor and commentator for some of the largest media outlets in Canada and the world, including the New York Times, BBC World News, The Globe and Mail, and CBC National News.”

Registration Required (free), here

CELEBRATE: International Pride Day

EXPLORE: NWAC’s Two-Spirit LibGuid

The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) Library is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization. Traditionally, libraries systems were built on Western and colonial understanding that can sometimes distort an Indigenous perspective. NWAC has created five LibGuides, one being the Two-Spirit LibGuide, to serve as an introduction to each topic which provides definitions, key research results, links, suggested readings, contacts, embedded brief videos and pictures.

Check out the resources highlighted in their LibGuide and share one that you believe everyone in the Western community should know about using #WesternUBiindigen

https://nwac.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-page.pl?page_id=20

Two-Spirit LibGuide › Koha online catalog ( bywatersolutions.com)

ATTEND: Huron Multicultural Festival presents Digging Roots & Drives the Common Man

Tickets are now on sale for an electrifying performance by renowned artists Digging Roots, winners of the 2023 Canadian JUNO Award for Contemporary Indigenous Group of the Year. Digging Roots breathe life into songs from their land, Turtle Island, to raise their voices in solidarity with a global chorus of Indigenous artists, activists, and change-makers. For over a decade, Digging Roots have traveled the world with a joyful message of resistance, celebrating Anishinaabe and Onkwehón: we traditions of round dance and interconnectedness. As Roots Music Canada says, the band is "...empowering and hopeful all at the same time."

Opening for Digging Roots is Drives the Common Man, a Mi’kmaq singer, songwriter, and producer/composer out of southern Ontario who gathered over 200k followers on the social app TikTok during the pandemic. Drives is a young artist on the rise. His passion for pop and rock creates a nostalgic blend of alternative pop

Tickets avalible, here

Event location, here

Throughout the week, READ: “Week 5: Art & Creative Work”

“Palestinian and Indigenous artists and writers continue to find inspiration in one another and use their creative works as vehicles for freedom dreaming and social transformation.” – from the Yellowhead Institute’s ‘From Askiy to the Sea: A solidarity Reading List on Settler Colonialism’

From Askiy to the Sea: A Solidarity Reading List on Settler Colonial Contexts - Yellowhead Institute

To read, click here  

ACTIVITY: More Than Words

• Based on all your new experiences, reflect on these lessons you’ve learned throughout the month of June while completing the More Than Words prompts
• https://express.adobe.com/page/FSblzCQD2HCI5/

Over the next month, READ: “Week 6: Intellectual Traditions & Interdisciplinary Formations” and “Week 7: Liberation”

Remember that learning is a lifelong commitment and should not end along with June. Don’t lose momentum! Stay committed to completing the Yellowhead Institute’s “From Askiy to the Sea: A Solidarity Reading List on Settler Colonial Contexts” throughout July.

From Askiy to the Sea: A Solidarity Reading List on Settler Colonial Contexts - Yellowhead Institute

READ: Pow Wow Etiquette

https://www.powwows.com/pow-wow-etiquette2/

ATTEND: Munsee Delaware Nation Annual Tradition Gathering

Follow Munsee-Delaware Nation on Facebook for updates!