A Statement From NWAC President Carol McBride for National Indigenous History Month

June 2, 2023

“June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada—an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It's a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial.

Strong advocacy from representatives of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities led to the creation of the official National Indigenous History Month in 2009.

It is crucial that non-Indigenous members of our community make sustained efforts to learn about Indigenous histories, cultures, and protocols.

We need to build on this progress. The ongoing work of reconciliation requires all of us to work from a foundation of shared knowledge and understanding—together.

As a community, we can be proud of the work we are doing to expand Indigenous spaces on our traditional territories; to welcome more Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples to integrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being more deeply into our understandings. For example, I lead by the Seven Grandfather Teachings. I encourage everyone to explore those teachings.

We have tools to help us ensure that our rights are upheld, such as the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP); the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action ; and the 231 Calls For Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) . It is time for implementation. We must remember this during National Indigenous History Month. It is a time for learning about, reflecting, appreciating and acknowledging the contributions First Nations, Inuit and Métis people continue to make. .

June is about appreciating Indigenous history, diversity, and experiences with our unique cultural perspectives, as self-determining peoples.”

- 30 –

Media Contact:

For information, or to arrange an interview, contact:
communications@nwac.ca
343-996-4565

Pour obtenir plus d’information ou prendre des dispositions pour une interview, contacter:
communications@nwac.ca
343-996-4565