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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New Indigenous Studies department chair uses Stó:lō knowledge to advance higher education
December 05, 2023As the new department chair, Hall’s goals include launching a graduate program and... read more
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Chris (Syeta’xtn) Lewis appointed as inaugural Indigenous Executive Lead
November 24, 2023Chris (Syeta’xtn) Lewis has been appointed as SFU’s inaugural Indigenous Executive Lead, effective... read more
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New Canada Research Chair mobilizes Indigenous knowledge to protect the future of freshwater fish
October 27, 2023Zoe Todd, an associate professor in Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) Department of Indigenous... read more
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First Nations Business Development Association and SFU Beedie Executive Education sign new agreement
October 24, 2023This programming will address the rapidly expanding capacity needs of First Nations development... read more
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Associate dean of Indigenous Heath at SFU medical school focused on equity
October 03, 2023With the health-care system in crisis, the new acting associate dean of Indigenous Health at Simon... read more
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Convocation Feature: Lifelong Indigenous language advocate dedicates degree to Tlingit heritage
October 04, 2023As 79-year-old Kèyishí Bessie Cooley presented her master's degree thesis project at... read more
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Connecting with her identity inspires Indigenous Studies alumnus Paige Desjarlais to help her community
September 30, 2023"Growing up, my family had to seek out education about being Indigenous. That is a major part... 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