At Queen’s, National Indigenous History Month is being marked by encouraging students and community members to engage with Indigenous knowledge and its role in present-day society.
According to the Government of Canada, June serves as a time to recognize and reflect on the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. The month also celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, coinciding with the summer solstice, which holds cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous communities.
Queen’s, situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, marks the month through events and initiatives that celebrate Indigenous cultures.
In a statement to The Journal, the Queen’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) explained they provided learning opportunities throughout the month, aimed at helping students and community members expand their knowledge of Indigenous histories and cultures.
On June 22, the OII’s Instagram account posted a list of reading and podcast recommendations, highlighting works by Indigenous authors including Anishinaabe writers Waubgeshig Rice and Mazina Giizhik.
The post also featured podcasts such as The Aunties Dandelion, hosted by Kahstoserakwathe Paulette Moore, a Mohawk woman whose conversations draw on Haudenosaunee ways of knowing.
Programming throughout the month included events like the Community Fire for Peace and the Good Mind on June 24, which aimed to bring community members together to learn from one another in a shared space.
The OII, in partnership with Queen’s Thrive 365, also held Raccooning Walk Talks on June 18 and 23. The walks were designed to encourage participants to engage with the natural environment and deepen their relationships with the land.
Both events began at Tsi Yakwanahstahsontéhrha, also known as Queen’s Outdoor Indigenous Gathering Space, a curved structure near the south end of Tindell Field.
Nicole Parsons, ArtSci ’29, is an Inuk student at Queen’s. Born in Iqaluit with family roots in Kinngait, Nunavut, Parsons comes from a lineage connected to Inuit whaling and traditional ways of life.
In a statement to The Journal, Parsons said she felt a deep connection to her middle name, Miali, inspired by Inuk artist Mialia Jaw. She said the name serves as a constant reminder of the importance of community and storytelling.
Parsons said she aspires to pursue a career in “Aboriginal law,” and recognized that Queen’s has made efforts to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into class discussions.
She added that the University has room to improve Indigenous representation and strengthen relationships with local Indigenous communities and the lands on which it is situated.
“This month provides us an opportunity to learn about Indigenous achievements and acknowledge the impacts of colonization. But we must also show up and take a stand to show that we are here,” Parsons said.
Jacqueline Davies, an adjunct associate professor of philosophy and gender studies at Queen’s, said in a statement to The Journal that it is important to understand the impact of European and Canadian settlement on Indigenous peoples and the land.
She said she makes it a personal goal to challenge her
assumptions derived from Western academic traditions and encourages her students to continue learning about Indigenous traditions and philosophy.
“I encourage my students to commit to lifelong learning, respect, and relationship-building as fellow ‘lovers of wisdom.’ Indigenous History Month is another opportunity for this; it’s also something we can and should do year-round,” Davies said.
Tags
Indigenous, indigenous culture, National Indigenous History Month
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