Canada marks beginning of National Indigenous History Month

TORONTO

Canada marks the beginning of National Indigenous History Month on June 1, a statement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday.

"Today, we mark the beginning of National Indigenous History Month, a month in which we celebrate the rich and varied stories, achievements, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples," Trudeau said.

Trudeau emphasized that Indigenous Peoples have lived on these lands for a long time, and their unique histories shaped Canada today.

The prime minister invited Canadians to seek out the educational opportunities presented by this month, and to engage in local Indigenous-led events and discover books, movies, and music by Indigenous artists.

“We cannot separate Indigenous history from our country’s history of colonialism and its lasting impacts, including systemic racism, inequality, and discrimination against Indigenous Peoples. In recent years, the findings of unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools across the country have served as an important reminder of the pain Indigenous communities continue to bear and the work that remains on the journey of healing."

The path of reconciliation will be easier to walk on, only if people are educated and honor the rich history and culture of the Indigenous people in Canada, Trudeau said.

Trudeau also invited to download the "Reconciliation: A Starting Point" app to learn about Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, which are helping the country chart a new and better course for Indigenous Peoples and for everyone in Canada.

National Indigenous History Month recognizes Indigenous history in Canada's communities and across the country.

Canada's House of Commons designated June as National Aboriginal History Month in 2009. The name was changed to National Indigenous History Month in 2017.