Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is pleased to remind everyone that June is Indigenous History Month and today is National Indigenous Peoples Day, which commemorates, recognizes and promotes further learning about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

The grim news last month about the remains of the 215 children buried at the former Kamloops Residential School, discovered due to the efforts of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, reminds us the importance of understanding and addressing the ongoing colonial realities of Canada through working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in their various efforts of decolonization.

As part of our decolonization and anti-racism efforts, the Department is thinking through our programs, courses, and actions to improve our teaching of, and our own learning about, the rich cultures, experiences, social dynamics and histories of Indigenous peoples and the varied consequences of ongoing colonialism.

With all of this in mind, please do consider participating in National Indigenous Peoples Day in some way.