DECOLONIZING
We acknowledge that we still have a lot to learn, and there is room for improvement. We invite you to join in our journey of truth and reconciliation, decolonization and indigenization.About Waacus Salee > Waacus Salee Programs >National Indigenous Peoples Day
Every June is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Anchored in Waacus Salee Frog Spirit Initiative at Frog Hollow, we celebrate NIHM and NIPD, honouring the important role of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples & their diverse cultures in shaping the history on this land.
Moving forward and beyond, we continue creating opportunities and space within the community for the learning of Indigenous cultures & histories, encouraging dialogues on decolonization and re-indigenization.
Learn about ways to make NIHM & NIPD meaningful.
Dear community, we are inviting you to join us to celebrate 2024 National Indigenous Peoples Day on Thursday, June 20, from 11AM to 2PM, at Clinton Park near the fieldhouse (2690 Grant St. Vancouver)
We want to dedicate this day to recognizing and honoring the diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island, fostering understanding, appreciation, and connection among our community members. There will be food, games, performances, educational & information booths, as well as a marketplace at the event.
This beautiful poster is designed by Marisa Law, a young and emerging Indigenous youth artist, as well as one of our participants from Frog Hollow Make It Program (IG: @arthollow ) . We hold our hands up to her meaningful work and the powerful message she generously shared through the artwork. (IG: @marisacraftsthings )
🌸Artist Statement🌸
“Creating this piece was a deep reflection on what being Indigenous means to me as a youth and as an artist. I wanted to capture the statement “All My Relations. It is written in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim and nsyilxcən, as they belong to the host nations and my nation. The artwork I created tells the story of how we are all one and connected on many different levels. From the aging trees and elders come wise knowledge and strength. We are able to see in each piece of park and stump just how much life was blessed. From death comes rebirth of new. The feathers represent our ancestors who provide us protection, guidance and to acknowledge what/who came before us. To recognize who paved the way for us to live, breathe, work and love here today. To say All My Relations is to know that we are in every fabric of life. We are the water, the fires, the wind, the blades of grass, the birdsong, the laughter is our medicine and every single grain of sand is an ancestor to us. The stars are our compass and they guide us with care for they are all people we have known and loved.
May we all take care of each other as we are one.”
We hope to see you there.
All my relations🤲
EVENT RUNDOWN
11:00am – MC Casey Desjarlais opens event
11:10am – Norm’s welcome & land acknowledgement
11:20am – Diana Day & Indigenous Women Rise Drum Group
11:40am – Door Prize draw
11:45am – Eli Rattlesnake Hoop Dancer
12:15pm – Door Prize Draw & Break
12:30pm – MC Casey Desjarlais drum songs
12:45pm – Lee Benson Nanigishkung Dancer
1:00pm – Door Prize Draw
1:05pm – Community Drum Circle with Kelly White
1:45pm – Door Prize Draw & Free Time
2:00pm – Wrap Up
Resources List
*Disclaimer: All information and resources in this list are for informational purposes only.
Podcast:
Warrior Life – by Pam Palmater
An Indigenous podcast about the warrior life – featuring voices of Indigenous warriors, advocates & leaders on the front lines of Indigenous resistance, resurgence and revitalization who are protecting our lands, peoples and sovereignty.
Land Back – by CBC
Land Back uncovers land theft in Canada and looks at how Indigenous people are reclaiming their territories, identities and lives.
The Urbariginal – by CBC
Rudy Kelly’s dad was a great chief of the Tsimshian Nation – a champion of the language, culture, and community. Everyone loved him. But did Rudy? As a kid, he looked up to him. Idolized him. But also feared him. And even hated him. He told Rudy that to succeed, he would have to leave everything behind: his family, friends, and culture. In this six-part series, Rudy’s journey brings him back in time, to learn how colonization impacted Indigenous people, from those who lived it. To find out who and what his dad really was, and to discover more about himself – the Urbariginal
Growing up Indigenous when you don’t look it
“Belonging in Unceded Territory”
Online Courses:
BCSIS E-Learning Course: Indigenous Worldview vs Colonized Worldview
BCSIS E-Learning Course: Decolonize Yourself – Connecting to Your Indigeneity
Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education- University of British Columbia
Indigenous Canada – University of Alberta
Movies:
Fancy Dance (2023) – Fancy Dance announces the arrival of a major directorial talent: Erica Tremblay. Her unflinching exploration of marginalization uses a mystery narrative as a springboard for an oblique coming-of-age story, lovingly and luminously enacted by Gladstone and Deroy-Olson. Tremblay’s juxtaposition of settler violence against the strength of Indigenous communities offers a nuanced account of the human costs of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic and the possibilities of healing for those left behind.
Bones of Crows (2023) – Written, directed, and produced by Dene/Métis artist Marie Clements (Red Snow, The Road Forward), the work is inspired by the true life story of a Cree matriarch named Aline Spears.
Tia and Piujuq (2018) – Tia, a 10 year-old Syrian refugee living in Montreal, finds a magic portal and travels to the Arctic where she befriends an Inuk girl with who she immerses herself in a world of Inuit myth and magic.
Smoke Signals (1998) – On a Coeur d’Alene, an Idaho reservation, nothing ever changes until the estranged father of Victor Joseph bites the dust in Arizona and Victor must collect the cremated remains. Victor can’t afford the fare, but annoying nerd Thomas Builds-the-Fire will float Victor a loan if Thomas can tag along. This tale of self-discovery is based on acclaimed author Sherman Alexie’s short stories.
AudioBook:
Short Documentary:
The Survivor Spirit, Documentary and Illustration
Books: See list from Frog Hollow Indigenous Books Library (P’ipa:m Lelum Library)
Articles:
National Indigenous Month – why it’s important
Surrey First Peoples Guide for Newcomers – Surrey Local Immigration Partnership