National Indigenous History Month
Today, and every day we stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island.
June is the National Indigenous History Month and June 21 is the National Indigenous History Day.
To learn more about celebrating Indigenous Peoples in Canada, read Learning and Activity Guide.
The following are resources provide more information about the National Indigenous History Month and local Indigenous Resources in the Oshawa area.
Learn more about Indigenous Peoples and Communities through education
| National Indigenous History Month Flag-Raising Ceremony - June 6, 2022 |
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Flag-Raising Ceremony dedicated to National Indigenous History Month will happen on Monday, June 6, at 4 p.m. in Civic Square at Oshawa City Hall, 50 Centre St. S. |
| A Carrying Place: Oshawa’s Indigenous Story - June 21, 2022 |
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Oshawa Public Libraries event: History Spotlight: A Carrying Place: Oshawa’s Indigenous Story, June 21, 6 p.m. |
| Story and Song: Intro to Anishinaabemowin with Melody Crowe - June 18, 2022 |
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Workshop organized by the Robert McLaughlin Gallery and Oshawa Public Libraries: Story and Song: Intro to Anishinaabemowin with Melody Crowe: Jun 18, 2022, 10:30 a.m. at Oshawa Public Libraries – Delpark Homes Centre Branch. |
| Events organized by the First Peoples Indigenous Centre at Durham College |
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Durham College First Peoples Indigenous Centre Events:
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13th Annual Métis Heritage Celebration - June 25, 2022 |
| 13th Annual Métis Heritage Celebration is happening on Saturday, June 25, 2022, between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Children's Arena, 155 Arena St.
Grand Entry and Opening Ceremony starts at noon. |
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Author's Talk: An Evening with Joshua Whitehead - June 15, 2022 |
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A conversation with Joshua Whitehead, Two-Spirit and Indigenous author of the award-winning novel 'Jonny Appleseed', June 15, 2022 at 7 p.m., online. Registration required. |
Learn about Truth and Reconciliation
| Report - Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action |
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The following report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission outlines 94 Calls to Action in response to the findings of the consultations with Indigenous survivors. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action |
| Videos on Truth and Reconciliation from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (T.R.C.) |
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Video: What has been the purposes and role of the T.R.C.? Video by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, presentation by Commissioner, Dr. Mary Wilson explaining the purpose of the T.R.C. Video: What happened? Video by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, presentation by Commissioner, Dr. Mary Wilson describing what happened and how the TRC is involved. Video: T.R.C. Event May 28, 2015 Video by the T.R.C. describing the process of the T.R.C. through the voices of survivors and witnesses. (Caution: This video contains subject matter that may be disturbing to some visitors) Video: How Should People Feel? Video by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, presentation by Commissioner, Dr. Mary Wilson.
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| United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples |
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View a p.d.f of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples |
| Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action - Related to Municipalities |
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Nine Calls to Action were identified by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, as containing the word ‘Municipal’ or ‘all levels of government’ in them: #40 We call on all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal people, to create adequately funded and accessible Aboriginal-specific victim programs and services with appropriate evaluation mechanisms. #43 We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for reconciliation. #47 We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to repudiate concepts used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous peoples and lands, such as the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, and to reform those laws, government policies, and litigation strategies that continue to rely on such concepts #57 We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-racism. #64 We call upon all levels of government that provide public funds to denominational schools to require such schools to provide an education on comparative religious studies, which must include a segment on Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Aboriginal spiritual beliefs and practices developed in collaboration with Aboriginal Elders. #75 We call upon the federal government to work with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, churches, Aboriginal communities, former residential school students, and current landowners to develop and implement strategies and procedures for the ongoing identification, documentation, maintenance, commemoration and protection of residential school cemeteries or other sites at which residential school children were buried. This is to include the provision of appropriate memorial ceremonies and commemorative markers to honour the deceased children. #77 We call upon provincial, territorial, municipal and community archives to work collaboratively with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to identify and collect copies of all records relevant to the history and legacy of the residential school system, and to provide these to the NCTR. #87 We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, sports halls of fame, and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes in history. #88 We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games, including funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation and travel. |
| Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls |
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The following is the final report on the inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Final Report | MMIWG |
Local Resource Guide
The following are resources to inform you of the local First Nation Council, Mississaugas of Scugog Island and details of the history, treaties, language and related organizations.
| What is the City's land acknowledgement? |
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The City of Oshawa is situated on treaty land that is steeped in rich Indigenous history and is the present day home to many First Nations, Metis and Inuit people. The City acknowledges that we gather on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. |
| Who are the Scugog Island First Nation Council? |
| Chief and Council: Elected Council for the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation is comprised of one Chief and two Councillors. The most recent election was held in June 2017. Each council position is for a period or term of two years.
Chief: The Chief is the official spokesperson of the First Nation and is required to attend meetings with local, federal and provincial counterparts. The Chief attends council, committee and community meetings as required to provide direction to members of staff who are associated with his/her portfolio in the development of policies and programs. Councillor Jamie Coons and Councillor Laura Colwell Councillor: It is the Councillor’s responsibility to work with the Chief and other Councillor to oversee the operations of the First Nation. Councillors are required to attend meetings with local, federal and provincial counterparts and attend council, committee and community meetings as required to discuss community issues. |
| What is the history of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation? |
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The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation moved into southern Ontario from their former homeland north of Lake Huron around the year 1700. The Mississaugas are a branch of the greater Ojibwa Nation, one of the largest native groups in Canada. Check out their Facebook page. |
| What are the Williams Treaties? |
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On October 29, 2012, in Alderville Indian Band et al v. Her Majesty the Queen et al, Canada and Ontario took the position at trial that harvesting rights associated with pre-confederation treaties signed by the Williams Treaties First Nations were not intended to be surrendered in 1923, particularly the Treaty 20 (1818) area which was the subject of judicial scrutiny in Taylor and Williams, 1981. This position recognizes the Williams Treaties people’s constitutionally protected harvesting rights in Treaty 20. This means Williams Treaties harvesters are able to exercise rights in line with those of other treaty people in most of Ontario. In June 2018, the Williams Treaties First Nations ratified the Williams Treaties Settlement Agreement with Canada and Ontario. As it relates to harvesting, the Williams Treaties Settlement Agreement recognizes the Williams Treaties First Nations continuing pre-confederation treaty harvesting rights to harvest fish, wildlife, trapping and gathering in Treaties 5, 16, 18, 20, 27 and 27 1/4. |
| Who is Bawaajigewin? |
| Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle (BACC) is an Indigenous-led non-profit agency that responds to and advocates for all Indigenous people in Durham Region. |
| How can I learn more about Anishnaabemowin? |
| Anishnaabemowin, the language of the Anishinaabe nation, is one of the oldest and most historically important Native American languages in North America, but it is in danger of becoming extinct if not passed on to a new generation. In earlier times, the language was passed on orally from a tribe’s Elders to its younger members, but in more recent times, this practice has fallen victim to outside influences.
The word Anishinaabe translated means a good person. Anishin means good and aabe comes from the word yaabe meaning the male species. The female in Anishinaabe is kwe. When we use mowin on the end of Anishinaabe, it simply means the language of the good person. Learn more about Anishnaabemowin from the Trent University Chanie Wenjack School. |
| Can you tell me about the Métis Nation of Ontario? |
| In 1993, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) was established through the will of Métis people and Métis communities coming together throughout Ontario to create a Métis-specific governance structure. Prior to 1993, Métis had been involved in pan-Aboriginal lobby groups and organizations. The MNO was not created to represent all individuals and communities that claim to be Métis, but those individuals and communities that are a part of the Métis Nation.
The Oshawa and Durham Métis Council is a Métis Nation of Ontario (MON) Charter Community Community Council. Check out their Facebook Page. |
| What Indigenous Services are at Trent Durham? |
| First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) - Indigenous Services
Trent Durham’s campus has several developing dedicated spaces for gathering and supporting cultural learning and activities on campus. These spaces are important to cultivating empathy, respect and positive connection between students, faculty, staff, some of those spaces are the Tipi, an Indigenous Student Study Room and a future Medicine Garden. Currently regular social fires and activities in these spaces are not happening due to COVID Public Health Protocols. FPHL will be offering and supporting online activities such as Counselling, Visiting Elders and Traditional Knowledge Holders, Ishkodehwin live, Learn By Doing workshops and where possible some social distancing events will be offered. |
| What is happening at Ontario Tech Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre? |
| Welcome, Bienvenue, Aanii, Tansi, Tungasugit, She:kon
Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre is a welcoming gathering place for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students. The Ontario Tech Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre is located at 151 Athol St. (beside 61 Charles St.) and the Indigenous Centre - North Location in U5-1. |
| What's going on at Durham College and the Aboriginal Student Centre? |
| First Peoples Indigenous Centre
Suswaaning Endaajig Durham College’s First Peoples Indigenous Centre utilizes a holistic approach to supporting Indigenous students through traditional teachings of the medicine wheel which focuses on a student’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Learn more about Suswaaning Endaajig Aboriginal Student Centre at Durham College with this short video. |
| Can you tell me more about the Durham Catholic District School Board Indigenous Education Advisory Circle? |
| Members of the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle are made up of Indigenous Peoples and board staff. The Circle makes recommendations that focus on creating an environment of respect, while promoting the values of Indigenous history, culture, world views, language, and spirituality in our schools. |
| What is going on at the Durham District School Board Indigenous Education Department? |
| The Durham District School Board (DDSB) has an Indigenous Education department. This department strives to fulfill the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliations Calls to Action and raise awareness of Indigenous history, perspectives and contributions in a holistic and integrated approach. The department hopes to strengthen students' sense of identity, foster positive self-image, and engage community members and organizations in an ongoing dialogue. Initiatives include the First nation, Metis and Inuit Education Advisory Circle.
The Advisory Circle meets throughout the school year to discuss and co-plan Indigenous Education initiatives in the DDSB. The committee is made up of people who represent the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, the Oshawa and Durham Métis Council, representatives from post-secondary institutions, and members of the DDSB. |
| Who is CAREA? |
| CAREA Community Health Centre is a community organization that offers a variety of Indigenous Programs in Oshawa and other Durham communities. Visit their website to learn more about what they do. |
| Indigenous Populations in Oshawa Stats Canada Census 2016 |
| Indigenous Populations in Oshawa Stats Canada Census 2016. |
National Indigenous Languages Day - March 31
| National Indigenous Languages Day |
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About National Indigenous Languages Day National Indigenous Language Day started on March 31, 1993. Since then, March 31st has been a day for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada to recognize and celebrate the very rich and diverse heritage of Indigenous languages. There are over 70 Indigenous languages spoken in Canada today. Language is passed on from generation to generation and carries stories and memories along the way. Through a difficult history of colonialism and residential schools, some Indigenous languages have been lost and others continue to be at risk. In response, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action include calls to support and recognize Indigenous language in Canada. National Indigenous Language Day is just one opportunity to recognize and celebrate Indigenous language. To celebrate National Indigenous Language Day, learn basic greetings in Anishinaabemowin. Indigenous Language in Oshawa Oshawa is located on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. Indigenous Peoples are the original inhabitants of the City of Oshawa and have been living here for many thousands of years. The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation are Anishnaabe-speaking First Nations people. The name "Mississauga" comes from the Anishnaabe word Misi-zaagiing, meaning "[Those at the] Great River-mouth." The word Oshawa means “crossing place” or “carrying place” and the Oshawa Creek was an important trade & fishing route for local Indigenous Peoples. Check out this website to learn more about the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. Other Resources The resources below are provided to further support learning about Indigenous language and culture. Aanii.org – This site provides information about the Anishinaabe nation. It includes teachings on the Anishinaabe culture, history and language. Ojibwe.net – This site represents many things, most of all, it is evidence that Anishinaabemowin is alive and well. The website’s creators developed a so that the ancient sounds are not lost and can be connected to anyone willing to listen, learn, and labour in the effort to maintain Anishinaabemowin. Lakehead District School Board – The Lakehead Public School provides a webpage with language sound clips and translations of Anishinaabemowin words and phrases. The words and phrases recorded reflect the dialect used in Eabametoong First Nation which is a centralized version of Ojibway and may differ from other Ojibway dialects. Group of Six Colouring & Activity Book – A group of young artists from Six Nations of the Grand River have released a colouring and activity book for children inspired by cultural and linguistic elements of their community. The book features images of traditional clothing, animals and unique plants found in the community and items and instruments used in ceremonies. |