June is National Indigenous History Month: Acknowledge and celebrate with Georgian
May 30, 2023
Georgian acknowledges and celebrates National Indigenous History Month June 1 to 30
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis*.
It’s a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada, and a way to gain a deeper understanding of First Nations, Inuit and Métis experiences.
Please check back throughout the month; more events or resources may be added.
*The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal Peoples, also known as Indigenous Peoples.
Activities at Georgian
Opening ceremony
Georgian College Indigenous Services will kick off the month with an in-person opening ceremony – listen to the Anishnaabe Teaching of the Eagle Feather.
- Thursday, June 1 at 9 a.m.
- Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre, Barrie Campus, M building (room 137)
- Seating is limited – register in advance
- Open to students, employees and the public
In addition to flag raisings this month (details coming soon!), there are other events taking place in person and online. All are welcome to attend!
Flag raisings
- Barrie Campus: Thursday, June 15, noon to 12:30 p.m. at the Cenotaph
- Muskoka Campus: Wednesday, June 21 at noon
- Owen Sound Campus: Tuesday, June 20, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Lunch and Learn series
Georgian College Indigenous Services will host a series of Lunch and Learn sessions Mondays and Tuesdays throughout June.
Bring your own lunch and join us in person or online (Microsoft Teams).
Each session starts at noon and in-person sessions take place in the Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre, Barrie Campus, M building (room 137). The June 20 session is at the Orillia Campus and is only being delivered in person.
- Monday, June 5 from noon to 1 p.m.: What is a Bundle? Explore the purpose of the Anishinaabe bundle and the uses of items and medicines carried within. Register for this session.
- Tuesday, June 6 from noon to 1 p.m.: The Spiral of Life Teaching. Learn the Anishinaabe understanding of the 7 Stages of Life Teaching while participating in a reflective exercise. In honour of Pride Month, this teaching shares 2-Spirit practice within traditional community structures. Register for this session. NOTE: This session is only open to students and employees.
- Monday, June 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m.: Exploring Inuit Culture and History. Learn about the Inuit within Canada. Emphasis is on Inuit awareness and preserving Inuit culture for urban Inuit. Register for this session. NOTE: This session is open to students, employees and the public.
- Tuesday, June 13 from noon to 1 p.m. (ONLINE ONLY): Exploring the “4 Essential Questions” used by Senator Murray Sinclair – Who am i? Where do I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? Discover a deeper relationship to personal identity, cultural awareness, and life promotion practices from an Indigenous lens. Register for this session. NOTE: This session is only open to students and employees.
- Monday, June 19 from noon to 1:30 p.m.: Exploring Métis Culture and History. Learn about the history and culture of the Métis People within Ontario. Emphasis is on the Georgian Bay region. Register for this session. NOTE: This session is only open to students and employees.
- Tuesday, June 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m. (Orillia Campus, in person only): The Anishinaabe Clan System. Learn about the traditional Anishinaabe Clan Governance Systems while engaging in an experiential exercise. In honour of Pride Month, this teaching shares 2-Spirit practice within traditional community structures. Lunch for this session will be provided. Register for this session. NOTE: Open to students and employees.
- Monday, June 26 and Tuesday, June 27 from noon to 1 p.m.: A Continuum of Practice – from Cultural Awareness to Cultural Humility. Register for this two-part session. NOTE: These sessions are only open to students and employees.
- Part 1: An overview of stereotypes imposed on Indigenous People and discussion around differences and diversity of Indigenous groups. Explore the importance of cultural awareness practices.
- Part 2: Moving beyond cultural awareness toward a change in personal and professional practice.
Sharing circles
Georgian College Indigenous Services will host a series of sharing circles Fridays throughout June.
Bring your own lunch and join us in person.
Each session runs from noon to 1 p.m. in the Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre, Barrie Campus, M building (room 137). Attend one or all sessions.
- Friday, June 9, 16 and 23: The Sharing Circle – a Guided Practice. Participate in and learn how to use a sharing circle in a culturally appropriate and safe way. Email Tiffany McCue to register.
Braiding our community connections: an Indigenous social mixer
Hosted by Georgian College Indigenous Services, this first-ever social mixer brings together local Indigenous organizations, business and service providers.
- Thursday, June 22 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
- Georgian College Barrie Campus (One Georgian Dr., Barrie) in the ABSC event space (third floor of N building)
- Register on Eventbrite
Indigenization at Georgian
Indigenization refers to the infusion of Indigenous ideas, values, peoples, symbols, esthetics, procedures and an authentic history into an organization so that it is a produce of Indigenous imaginations and aspirations.
Georgian has made Indigenization a priority and aims to enrich our community with as much Indigenous culture and knowledge as possible.
Land acknowledgement
Georgian acknowledges that all campuses are situated on the traditional land of the Anishnaabeg people. The Anishnaabeg include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. Georgian College is dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nation, Métis and Inuit people.