Something to ponder
In order to celebrate National Indigenous History Month, I thought it could be interesting, and inspiring, to give a little taste of the rich and diverse Indigenous culture that is being created in our region.
[Small disclaimers: 1. Because a lot of the websites were unilingual, I decided to avoid redundancy and only create a newsletter in English, containing links in English or French. 2. The following list is far from being exhaustive, and I will be happy to add all of your wonderful suggestions in the next newsletter.]
Literature: Kwahiatonhk and Say it First, where you can find a wealth of bilingual children’s books. Here are also some award-winning authors, a list from Calgary Public Library; Indigenous writing since 1867; Je lis autochtone, where you can find many great suggestions for your summer reads.
Poetry: Here, you can find an anthology of poetry written by First Nations, Inuit and Métis writers. More poems are added every week. More poetry on the Poetry in Voice/Les voix de la poésie website, one of the foremost online resources for the promotion of local poetry. Here is also an article demonstrating the healing power of words, be they poems or spoken-word.
Theatre: Ondinnok, theatre company founded in 1985 in order to offer a better Indigenous representation on Quebec’s stages. You can also discover Menuentakuan Productions, a vibrant new company. Did you know that Indigenous Artists can apply for a one-year residency at the National Theatre School of Canada?
Cinema: Here is Wapikoni’s programming for 2024. It includes mostly short films. You can also find Wapikoni films here, on the NFB website, where there is also a collection of Indigenous cinema. You can find more Indigenous cinema on the lesser-known Reel Canada website.
Music: A list of six Indigenous artists to discover; another one from Raven, including my favourite musician, Jeremy Dutcher, who won the Polaris Prize in 2018 and interweaves music from his Wolastoq ancestors with modern musical currents; one last list from CBC, encompassing Indigenous music from the 1960s to the 2010s.
Exhibitions: You can visit Indigenous Voices of Today at the McCord Stewart Museum and Daphne, an Indigenous artist-run art centre.
Board games: Did you know that there was a board game inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations? You can read about it here. Did you also know that Niiakohontésha Gray is creating new versions of well-known board games in Kanien’kehá:ka? What a fun way to learn the language!
Indigenous languages and culture: Learn Chipewyan, Cree, Inuktitut, Michif and Siksika languages through the Edmonton Public Library online resources. Learn Innu-aimun language and culture; Cree language and culture; Wendat language and culture; Oneida language and culture. Discover the culture of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation.
- If you would like to know more, you can visit the First Nations Education Council website, and the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres, where you can find a list of all the cultural centres across the country. You can also find more links concerning organizations that promote Indigenous culture and sustainable development on the R&K website, as well as the upcoming Pow-Wows and festivals.
- There is a new series of three stamps honouring Indigenous artists and activists to be released on June 21st! You can read about it here.
Volunteers needed at the Indigenous Health Centre of Tiotià:ke!
You can find the sign-up form here.
A reminder
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Resources for dedication of Mohawk Bible Many Mohawk Bibles have already been delivered to individuals and communities of faith, with more on their way. The Living into Right Relations Leadership Circle has developed some ideas to help communities of faith dedicate their copies of the Mohawk Bible with respect and gratitude, including liturgical resources, video clips of Harvey Satewas Gabriel reading from the Mohawk Bible and other resources about the significance of this translation.
Download resources: Ohiatonhseratokénti, The Holy Bible in Mohawk (DOC) or (PDF)