National Indigenous Peoples Month
June is National Indigenous Peoples Month, and June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Across the university we honour the history, culture, resilience and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples to SFU and across Canada.
Find a guide to events, resources, stories and ways to get connected below.
Be sure to check this page throughout the month as we add new events and additional updates.
Why National Indigenous Peoples Month?
Our Indigenous community at SFU has begun to recognize the month of June as “National Indigenous Peoples Month” rather than “National Indigenous History Month,” as this is a more meaningful representation of what we are celebrating.
The word “history” can perpetuate the common misconception that Indigenous peoples are only in the past, however, this is not the case as we are still around today. The use of National Indigenous Peoples Month is intended to better encapsulate not only our history, but present-day culture and knowledges. We use this time to celebrate the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.
While this language is a slight departure from “National Indigenous History Month”, created by the Government of Canada, it reflects the shift in emerging terminology and recognizes the diversity across Turtle Island.
~Indigenous Student Centre
Upholding Truth and Reconciliation: SFU What's Next
Earlier this year, SFU launched a new strategy to establish a shared vision, purpose and values for SFU, as well as four priorities that will form our framework for action moving forward: uphold Truth and Reconciliation, engage in global challenges, make a difference for B.C. and transform the SFU experience.
SFU recognizes and honours the title and rights of Indigenous people as stated in UNDRIP and we respect and partner with the host Indigenous Nations on which our campuses are located. We have the responsibility to illuminate the truth of Indigenous people in Canada and around the world and to begin to chart a path of Reconciliation. We will embrace this critical and complex call, striving to create a strong and safe sense of belonging for all Indigenous people to discover and unlock their gifts.
Attend an Event
CCDI & IW present: Succession planning for Indigenous professionals in Canadian workplaces
June 4 | Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Indigenous Works
In this session, hear from a panel of Indigenous experts as they share their insights and experiences on navigating pathways to leadership within Canadian workplaces. From identifying key challenges to discussing effective strategies, our panelists will explore how organizations can implement robust succession planning frameworks that support and retain Indigenous talent and demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and reconciliation.
Surrey's National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration & Wellness Event
June 21 | City of Surrey
Hosted by Semiahmoo, Kwantlen and Katzie First Nations, this event is an opportunity to acknowledge and show respect and admiration for Indigenous Peoples past, present and future; to share cultural history; and to share spirit, experiences, stories, song, art and dance with each other and the community.
Community Stories
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Kamala Todd completes residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
May 24, 2024This three-week residency for Indigenous storytellers like Todd enables them to further develop... read more
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Advancing decolonization and land-based education at SFU
April 26, 2024In a groundbreaking initiative, Dr. Amy Parent has spearheaded the creation of a film series titled... read more
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SFU student finds her voice and community while organizing Skoden Indigenous Film Festival
April 15, 2024"What really appealed to me was having a voice and being able to represent all these talented... read more
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Advancing Yukon First Nations and environmental action
April 02, 2024SFU is proud to recognize Regional Chief Kluane Adamek (Aagé) with an Outstanding Alumni... read more
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Bringing Indigenous culture to the heart of SFU's Surrey campus
March 22, 2024New public art installations share Coast Salish traditions, culture, and identity in teaching and... read more
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Gainining insights in Urban Studies from Indigenous-created public garden
March 19, 2024Located at 271 Union Street in Vancouver, what was once a vacant lot is now an urban forest with... read more
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FASS researchers analyze origin and disappearance of Coast Salish woolly dog
January 11, 2024Researchers from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History led a new analysis that... read more
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Sparking creativity through Indigenous Oral Testimony
January 31, 2024SFU Indigenous Studies professor annie ross encourages her students in INDG 462 - Indigenous Oral... read more
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FASS student champions Métis perspectives at international climate change conferences
January 08, 2024In a major stride for Métis representation and Indigenous voices on the world stage, Simon... read more
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Kamala Todd named to new continuing faculty position in SFU Urban Studies
January 02, 2024Todd continues to bring her expertise as a Métis-Cree planner, filmmaker, and researcher to... read more
Learn Something New
- Visit the reconciliation website for a summary of SFU’s commitments and actions to reconciliation report: the Walk this Path with Us Report, the annual progress reports in full, resources, including courses that cover the topic of residential schools and ideas for action individuals can take.
- Read President Joy Johnson’s personal commitment to reconciliation at SFU.
- Browse SFU Library's collection of books and films by and about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in Canada
- Check out the in-person displays at Bennett Library (Burnaby) and Fraser Library (Surrey)
To add an event, initiative, resource to this page please connect with alyssa_quan@sfu.ca