Treaty 2 Territory- In June, Canadians celebrate ‘National Indigenous History Month’ to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is an opportunity to learn about, appreciate and acknowledge the historical contributions that our people had in shaping Canada. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate on National Indigenous Peoples Day which happens on Monday, June 21st, which started in 1996, 25 years ago.

While celebrations and events for National Indigenous History Month may be different this year than those in the past, due to CoVid, we can still share and learn from stories, traditions and culture in new ways that keep us together and connected.

The ‘Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada’  that you see here, consisting of  four volumes, is one of your best resources if you’re interested in learning more about Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous Peoples are a significant and important part of the history of Turtle Island. Their heritage, their ways of life, their stewardship of this planet, and their world insights are an invaluable to us all.

While there is great diversity among Indigenous perspectives, one fact remains central — the traditional lands, practices, values, cultures, languages, systems and understandings of Indigenous Peoples have been systematically attacked, dismantled and destroyed at the hands of the Canadian government. As a nation, we have the opportunity to educate ourselves, to celebrate and to acknowledge the critical role of our ongoing resistance. It’s through this resistance and the reclaiming of our traditional practices, knowledges and Indigenous rights that we now have the opportunity to become the nation that it has always been — a nation of rich traditions, identities and systems, coming together to face the challenges that lay ahead.

I encourage you to take this time to learn your history, to help educate our youth and children on what it means to be Anishinaabe — and to take the time to reflect on what it means to take responsibility for our future, to come together with a sense of common vision and destiny for a healthier, equitable, and sustainable future.

The text of each of the 4-volumes of the “Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada’ is available on the Canadian Geographic website: https://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca

Visit the website and learn about our history and come together to find solutions to many of the challenges that we face today.

Submitted by:  Renée McGurry, Earth Lodge Development Helper
Earth Lodge website: http://lodge.fnt2t.com