National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada.

To honour Indigenous Peoples, the Institute of Indigenous Learning is hosting and collaborating on events on campus and elsewhere in London. Everyone is welcome to join in and participate! 

Ways to celebrate

Indigenous Language Bingo – June 17, Forwell Hall, Fanshawe College

The Institute of Indigenous Learning and the Fanshawe Student Union invite the Fanshawe Community to Indigenous Language Bingo in Forwell Hall, Red Zone, London Campus (1001 Fanshawe College Blvd.) on Wednesday, June 17 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Indigenous Solidarity Day – June 19, Victoria Park

The Fanshawe community is invited to join the 30th annual Indigenous Solidarity Day gathering in Victoria Park, London. The gathering, previously held on The Green in Wortley Village, features a Sunrise Ceremony as well as singers, dancers, food, vendors, community service providers and more. Bring your family and friends – everyone is welcome!

Sunrise ceremony: 6 a.m.
Main gathering: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What to bring:

• Lawn chairs or picnic blankets
• Reusable food containers and utensils
• A refillable water bottle

National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21

National Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Taking place during the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, it holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, signifying a time of gathering, ceremony and celebration.

Significant historical figures

Learn about some of the significant Indigenous figures who helped shape Canada, from Tecumseh to Phyllis Webstad.

Francis Pegahmagabow (1891–1952): Anishinaabe soldier and the most decorated Indigenous veteran of WWI, later a chief and advocate for Indigenous rights.

Tecumseh (c. 1768–1813): Shawnee chief and military leader who allied with the British in the War of 1812 to defend Indigenous lands.

Jody Wilson-Raybould: First Indigenous person in Canada to hold the position of Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Harold Cardinal (1945–2005): Cree leader who famously led the movement against the 1969 White Paper, defending Indigenous sovereignty.

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell & Mary Two-Axe Earley: Key activists who fought against gender discrimination in the Indian Act, leading to the restoration of status for many Indigenous women.

Thelma Chalifoux (1929–2017) was a trailblazing Métis activist and politician who made history as the first Indigenous woman appointed to the Senate of Canada.

Wab Kinew (Anishinaabe): Elected in 2023, he is the first First Nations provincial premier in Canadian history, leading Manitoba.

Phyllis Webstad (Northern Secwpemc): The creator of Orange Shirt Day, which began from her personal story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school.

Mary Two-Axe Earley (1911–1996) was a Mohawk (Kanien'kehá:ka) and Oneida elder and activist whose life's work fundamentally changed Canadian law to restore the rights of Indigenous women. Her persistence led to the passage of Bill C-31, which amended the Indian Act to remove gender discrimination.

The Honourable Murray Sinclair (1951–2024), also known by his Anishinaabe spirit name Mazina Giizhik ("The One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky"), was a monumental figure in Canadian law and Indigenous rights. He is most renowned for leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which documented the history and lasting impact of Canada's residential school system.

More resources

Visit Fanshawe's Institute of Indigenous Learning

Visit Canada's National Indigenous History Month page