National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day — a time to learn, reflect, honour, and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and vital contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. Throughout this month there are events and learning opportunities that encourage all Canadians and the university community to expand their learning of Indigenous histories, actively celebrate and take part in events, and explore resources to deepen understanding of Indigenous peoples’ in Canada.
University of Toronto Events
Celebrating Indigenous Mindfulness: Beading for Balance
With the constant stress that our bodies, minds, and spirits go through, it is helpful to take time to nurture yourself through creativity. Allow your spirits to move, be in the present, and inspire your creativity. Celebrate Indigenous History Month by joining the Office of Indigenous Initiatives in collaboration with the Department of Health & Society for an afternoon of beading, lunch, and a sharing circle.
June 5, 2025
11am-1pm
Location: KW-130
Ziibiing Land Based Workshop
This land-based workshop is designed to deepen your understanding of Indigenous teachings, history, and connections to the land. This session will give participants insights into Indigenous cosmologies, an introduction to native plants and their uses, traditional stories and teachings, and the importance of wampum belts. Through engaging activities and discussions, participants will explore the cultural and spiritual connections to the natural world, fostering a greater respect for and understanding of Indigenous perspectives.
June 10, 2025
10am-12pm
Location: Ziibiing - Hart House Circle at Wellesley. Meet at the Eastern Cultural Education Marker.
Finding the Trail: A Primer on Indigenous Pedagogy in Higher Education
Join Louis Busch, Special Projects Officer, Indigenous Curriculum and Pedagogies, Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre, for an engaging virtual workshop exploring Indigenous pedagogy and the concepts of reconciliation, Indigenization, and decolonization in higher education. Designed for U of T faculty and staff across disciplines, this session offers practical strategies and critical insights for respectfully integrating Indigenous perspectives into teaching and curriculum.
June 10, 2025
10am- 11:30am
Location: Online via Zoom
Full Moon Fire Ode'miin Giizis (Strawberry Moon)
Join First Nations House for their Full Moon Fire. Please drop by at any point, 4 sacred medicines are available.
Families are welcome.
June 11, 2025
10am-3pm
Location: Ziibiing (Hart House Circle)
Community Events
4th Annual 2-Spirit Pow Wow
June 7, 2025
10am
Location: Downsview Park
70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON
Indigenous Celebration 2025
Join the Ontario Science Centre team and Indigenous partners at Harbourfront Centre for a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, June 7. Explore Indigenous ways of knowing through interactive workshops, performances, and activities.
June 7, 2025
11am-4pm
Location: Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
One Land, Two Hearts: WhereWeStand
Proud to showcase the One Land, Two Hearts: WhereWeStand project at imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival at TIFF Lightbox - Cinema 3, Toronto, ON. Join the presentation to watch eight short films that explore identity and belonging by a cohort of Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous newcomers from across Turtle Island. Their collaborative, creative stories acknowledge differences while finding common ground and hope.
June 8, 2025
10am-12pm
Location: imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival,
TIFF Lightbox - Cinema 3,
Toronto, ON
Na-Me-Res Pow Wow
Toronto’s largest Pow Wow, featuring traditional drumming, dancing, Indigenous artisans, and food vendors. This free, family-friendly event celebrates Indigenous culture and heritage.
June 21, 2025
Grand Entry @ 12pm
Location: 250 Fort York Blvd.
Educational Resources
Books by Indigenous Authors
Decolonizing and Indigenizing Education in Canada by Sheila Cote-Meek Co-edited with Taima Moeke-Pickering
This collection examines the complexities of decolonization and indigenization in Canadian post-secondary education. It offers insights into transforming educational structures to better reflect and support Indigenous knowledge systems.
Red Skin, White Masks: Rejecting the Colonial Politics of Recognition by Glen Sean Coulthard
Coulthard, a Dene scholar, critiques Canada's approach to Indigenous-state relations, advocating for Indigenous self-determination rooted in land-based practices.
Dancing on Our Turtle's Back by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
Simpson, a Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, explores Indigenous resurgence through storytelling and cultural practices, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems.
As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom through Radical Resistance by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
Simpson argues for Indigenous resistance rooted in cultural practices and relationships to land, challenging colonial structures
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph
A concise exploration of the Indian Act's history and its ongoing impact on Indigenous communities in Canada.
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter by Daniel Heath Justice
An exploration of Indigenous storytelling traditions and their significance in understanding Indigenous experiences and worldviews
Films & Documentaries
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001)
Directed by Zacharias Kunuk (Inuk), this groundbreaking film is the first feature entirely in Inuktitut. It brings to life an ancient Inuit legend, showcasing the richness of Inuit storytelling and culture.
The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open (2019)
Co-directed by Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (Blackfoot/Sámi) and Kathleen Hepburn, this intimate drama follows two Indigenous women from different backgrounds who form a bond after a chance encounter, highlighting issues of domestic violence and systemic inequities.
Fancy Dance (2023)
Directed by Erica Tremblay (Seneca-Cayuga), this film stars Lily Gladstone as a woman searching for her missing sister while caring for her niece. Set on the Seneca-Cayuga reservation, it balances themes of loss, resilience, and community.
Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance (1993)
Directed by Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki), this documentary chronicles the 1990 Oka Crisis, providing an in-depth look at the standoff between Mohawk protesters and Canadian authorities over land disputes.
Time
SG̲aawaay Ḵʹuuna (Edge of the Knife) (2018)
Co-directed by Gwaai Edenshaw and Helen Haig-Brown, this is the first feature film entirely in the Haida language. It adapts a traditional Haida story, contributing to language revitalization efforts.
Rustic Oracle (2019)
Directed by Sonia Boileau (Mohawk), this film follows a mother and daughter searching for a missing family member, shedding light on the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) in Canada.
TV Shows
Reservation Dogs (2021–2023)
n Dogs (2021–2023)Created by Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Muscogee) and Taika Waititi (Māori), this critically acclaimed series follows four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma navigating adolescence and community life.
North of North (2025)
Co-created by Inuit filmmakers Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, this series follows Siaja, a young Inuk mother in the fictional Nunavut community of Ice Cove. Starring Anna Lambe, it authentically portrays contemporary Inuit life with a blend of drama and humor. The show is praised for its cultural authenticity and Inuit-led production.
Little Bird (2023)
Created by Jennifer Podemski (Saulteaux) and Hannah Moscovitch, this powerful limited series follows an Indigenous woman adopted during the Sixties Scoop as she uncovers her roots and reconnects with her family.
Mohawk Girls (2010–2017)
Created by Tracey Deer (Mohawk), this dramedy explores the lives of four young women in Kahnawake as they navigate love, identity, and community expectations. Sometimes called a “Sex and the City for rez girls,” it's sharp, funny, and culturally grounded.
Podcasts
All My Relations
Hosted by Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip), Desi Small-Rodriguez (Northern Cheyenne), and Adrienne Keene (Cherokee Nation), this podcast delves into topics like identity, land, food sovereignty, and representation, fostering conversations about what it means to be Indigenous today.
Red Man Laughing
Comedian Ryan McMahon (Anishinaabe) uses humor and storytelling to explore Indigenous arts, culture, and politics, offering a blend of interviews, monologues, and live performances.
Tales from the Floe
A storytelling-focused podcast that highlights Inuit legends and modern stories in English and Inuktitut.
Uqallagvik: Inuit Voices
A community storytelling podcast where Inuit share personal narratives, cultural teachings, and reflections on identity, climate change, and sovereignty.
Unreserved
A CBC Radio One program hosted by Rosanna Deerchild (Cree), featuring conversations with Indigenous artists, leaders, and thinkers across Canada, highlighting their stories and perspectives.
Stolen
Investigative journalist Connie Walker (Cree) leads this podcast focusing on cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women, weaving personal narratives with broader systemic issues.
Toasted Sister
Hosted by Andi Murphy (Navajo), this podcast explores Indigenous food traditions, featuring interviews with Native chefs and discussions on food sovereignty and culinary heritage.
Coffee With My Ma
Actress Kaniehtiio Horn (Mohawk) shares conversations with her mother, Kahentinetha Horn, a Mohawk elder and activist, discussing her life stories and experiences in Indigenous activism.
MEDIA INDIGENA
A roundtable podcast featuring Indigenous journalists and scholars discussing current affairs, politics, and culture from an Indigenous perspective.
Métis in Space
Hosts Molly Swain and Chelsea Vowel (Métis) review science fiction films and television shows, critiquing them through a decolonial and Indigenous feminist lens.
Reclaimed
Hosted by Jarrett Martineau (Cree), this CBC Music program showcases music by Indigenous artists from Canada and around the world, celebrating Indigenous musical talent and diversity.