June is Indigenous History Month in Canada, and June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a vital time to celebrate the cultural contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, and to honor Indigenous resiliency in the face of historical efforts to dismantle and eradicate Indigenous cultural practices. 

Wherever you are, I highly encourage you to check out a powwow, see the regalia, witness the dances, eat great food, and experience the love within the community. 

For those located in Canada who would like to attend a cultural event, please see Destination Indigenous’ guide. While Indigenous History Month is not until November in America, there’s powwows year round. Find one near you here.

If you’d like to support Indigenous Peoples beyond just attending one of many cultural events, I recommend that you: 

• Enjoy Indigenous cuisine: Growing up, my grandmother spent every summer in the Yukon at fishing camp. I would patiently await her return for her homemade salmon jerky. It was the highlight of my summers. When I am looking for something sweeter, my personal favourite is sugared bannock, but my grandma would risk spiking her sugar levels for some Soapberry ice cream. You can learn how to make soapberry ice cream here.
• Learn about local nations: Research the traditional names and practices of the lands where you reside. Use Native-Land.ca or Whose.Land to identify the specific Nations on whose territory you are located. For those in the States, please check out this map that NPR shared. 
• Book a walking Tour: The Page Two team went on a walking tour with Talaysay Tours this past fall in Stanley Park. It was an amazing experience to connect with nature and learn more about local Indigenous Peoples’ relationship to the land. My favourite part was eating Douglas fir needles which are high in Vitamin C and ending the walk with some herbal tea. 
• Listen to Indigenous artists: From Redbone to the Snotty Nose Rez Kids to Jimi Hendrix and more. Trena (tag her) recommends William Prince who recently performed at FIFA’s World Cup celebrations. 
• Read Works by Indigenous authors: I highly recommend the work of Lee Maracle (I specifically like her work on water) or Leanne Betasamosake Simpson. And, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Bob Joseph, Rose LeMay, and Carolyn Roberts. 
• Explore film and storytelling: Check out the short story “Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience” (find LeVar Burton’s reading here) or documentaries like Reel Injun and Rumble.
• Engage on social media: Get out of your echo chamber and follow Indigenous creators like Shayla Stonechild and James Jones who are empowering Indigenous people to celebrate their culture and welcoming others into the Indigenous experience. 
• Support Indigenous Businesses & Artists: I really like the Refreshing Toner from Skwálwen Botanicals. I also really like Cheekbone Beauty. Check them out!
• Make a donation: There are many Indigenous Charities that you can make contributions to. Please find some of them here.

We invite to share your own recommendations for Indigenous businesses or things happening in your community with us as well!

Written by Viktoria Skaper