June is National Indigenous History Month. During this month we want to recognize the Indigenous people who lived in Canada long before Canada was called Canada. Their Nations, culture, beliefs and stories are still alive and strong today. Surrey and White Rock are on the shared, unceded, traditional territory of the Katzie, Semiahmoo and Kwantlen Nations.
Watch the video below to help you understand what "Indigenous" means.
Did you know that many Nations speak their own language? There are over 70 languages spoken by First Nations across Canada. A Nations language is a tie to it's beliefs, culture and identity. You can explore the different languages and see a map of where they are spoken by exploring this resource:
If you would like to listen to some of the Indigenous languages of Canada being spoken then visit the resource below "First Voices.' This site aims to help preserve Indigenous languages as many have very few people who are fluent, some languages are at risk of disappearing forever. In this resource you can listen to words, songs and stories in different Indigenous languages.
June 21st, this Sunday, is National Indigenous People's Day. Normally Indigenous people all over Canada gather for Pow Wows and other ceremonies to celebrate this day. Unfortunately because of Covid many of the celebrations have had to be cancelled but you can see some of them online.
If you would like to learn to dance a Pow Wow dance check out these two videos below. They are a great way to get some exercise in at home and learn some Indigenous culture too. The first video is easier and the second is harder.
If you would like to learn to dance a Pow Wow dance check out these two videos below. They are a great way to get some exercise in at home and learn some Indigenous culture too. The first video is easier and the second is harder.
You can explore Indigenous musicians below. Many of them are available on Spotify and other music players but videos and audio files are available on the website as well.
The video below is a Nova Scotia teen singing a Beatles song in her native Indigenous language.
If you would like to listen to some Indigenous story books check out the link below. Stories can be presented in English or in the Indigenous language they were written in.
This year we were not able to host our Bannock and Books event at Beaver Creek. Maybe you can host your own at home! Learn how to make bannock from three generations of Algonquin women below (be sure to have a parent help you) and then sit down and enjoy your tasty treat and listen to some of the Indigenous books available in our Reading Room below or at the website "Indigenous Storybooks."