In Canada, June is National Indigenous History Month, which honours the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across the country. And June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day – a day of celebration to honour the contributions, achievements and resilience of Indigenous people.

These events are an opportunity for Canadians of all backgrounds to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people.

Nova Scotia is in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Mi’kmaq. Here, we see National Indigenous Peoples Day as a time to recognize the contributions and traditions of the Mi’kmaq.

Here are some suggested ways to mark the day:

Celebrate with communities
Indigenous communities across the province will be hosting celebrations and special events for National Indigenous Peoples Day. Attending one of these events is a great way to learn about and support the Mi’kmaw community near your home, plus a chance to enjoy Mi’kmaw music, food, dancing and artwork.

If you live near Potlotek/Chapel Island First Nation (Richmond County, Cape Breton), Millbrook First Nation (Millbrook), Sipekne’katik First Nation (Shubenacadie), I’sitkuk/Bear River First Nation, Kejimikujik National Park, or the Kespu’kwitk Metis Council (Yarmouth), be sure to check out what those local groups have organized to mark the day. If you’re in the Halifax area, drop by Mic Mac Mall on Saturday, June 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for a Mawio’mi Round Dance Celebration organized by the city’s Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. There will also be Indigenous craft vendors on site.

Do some reading
Halifax Public Libraries has a thematic online reading series with information on National Indigenous History Month, as well as reading lists that explore Indigenous life, including recent releases by Indigenous authors (pictured above is The Berry Pickers, a book by Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw author Amanda Peters). The library has also prepared a reading list that explores the intersection of Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Check out this CBC list of 48 books by Indigenous authors to understand residential schools. If your audience is a bit younger, the CBC also has a list of 21 books for children and young adults by Indigenous authors.

You’ll also find plenty of reading materials and resources about Indigenous history and culture online from the federal government. And, of course, it’s never too late to read up on the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Expand your vocabulary
Check out the interactive Mi’kmaw Place Names map or the Mi’kmaq Online Dictionary for a fun way to build your Mi’kmaw vocabulary. Need to start a bit smaller? Follow Treaty Education Nova Scotia on Facebook and add fun, interesting and informative posts about Mi’kmaw history, culture and modern-day special events to your feed.

Enjoy a taste of Mi’kma’ki
No celebration is complete without a special meal, and on National Indigenous Peoples Day, why not try a traditional Mi’kmaw dish? Luskini’kin, or bannock, is a traditional treat with many uses; if you’d like to do something experimental, look for the book Mitji – Let’s Eat!, a collection of Mi’kmaw recipes, at your local library or book store.

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