June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day!
Here are a few ways you can celebrate…
Pick a film to watch from the National Film Board of Canada’s catalog of over 200 Indigenous-created films.
I’d suggest…
“Birth of a Family”
It’s a documentary about three sisters and a brother who meet for the very first time after being taken from their young mother during the infamous “Sixties Scoop”. They were separated as babies and adopted into families across North America.
These four represent some of the 20,000 Indigenous Canadian children who were taken from their families between 1955 and 1985, to be either adopted into white families or to live in foster care.
As the four siblings piece together their shared history, their connection deepens, and their family begins to take shape.
Watch it here
Pick an Indigenous artist and listen to their music.
I’d suggest…
“Aysanabee”
He’s a northwestern Ontario Oji-Cree singer-songwriter and a member of the Sandly Lake First Nation, who grew up in the Kaministiqua area. At this year’s Juno Awards ceremony he won Songwriter of the Year and Alternative Album of the Year for his record “Hear And Now”. He’ll also be performing in Fort Frances as a part of Tour De Fort’s upcoming season!
Pick a book to read by an Indigenous author.
I’d suggest…
“All Our Relations: Finding the Path Forward”
By Journalist Tanya Talaga
It shines a spotlight on the rising rates of youth suicide in Indigenous communities around the world, and traces connections to colonial practices of separating peoples from land and a lack of basic resources that lead to poor health outcomes.
This book also highlights traditions of resistance among Indigenous Nations that just might lead the way to a more just and equitable future.
Pick a children’s book written by an Indigenous author and read it with the young kids in your life.
I’d suggest…
“Nibi is Water”
Written and illustrated by Joanne Robertson
This story looks at the importance of Nibi—which means water in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) — and our role to thank, respect, love and protect it.
Babies and toddlers can follow Nibi as it rains and snows, splashes or rows, drips and sips.
The picture book is written from an Anishinaabe water protector’s perspective and is in dual language — English and Ojibwe.
Search out Indigenous humour and comedy.
I’d suggest…
Howie Miller
He us an accomplished comedic actor and writer and has been nominated for a Gemini Award, a Canadian Comedy Award and a Canadian Screen Award.
Support local Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs and artists by being a patron or customer.
