Understand and Celebrate with Indigenous Peoples During National Indigenous History Month

In Canada, June marks National Indigenous History Month – a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

The City of Mississauga is offering a number of activities and events to help residents learn more about Mississauga’s deep Indigenous history while honouring the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples.

Ancestral Voices Series featuring Drew Hayden Taylor

On June 14, expand your understanding of Indigenous storytelling traditions and literature in this free virtual author visit with award-winning Ojibway playwright, journalist, writer, filmmaker and stand-up comedian, Drew Hayden Taylor from the Curve Lake First Nations. Register today

imagineNATIVE: Generational Legacies, Broken Angel

On June 15 at 8 p.m., watch Generational Legacies, Broken Angel by Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin (Cree). The film focuses on Angel, the mother to Tanis, who escapes into the night from her abusive partner Earl to a women’s shelter on the reservation. Admission is free, however, due to capacity limits, a ticket is required upon entry. The 2023 imagineNATIVE Tour brings Indigenous-made film and video works, as well as community engagement activities to communities across Turtle Island, Canada. Reserve tickets

Cris Derksen Quartet at Living Arts Centre

On June 16, at the Living Arts Centre internationally-acclaimed ensemble Cris Derksen Quartet includes the talents of Juno-nominated Cree cellist Cris Derksen, artist and storyteller from the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, Marie-Celine Charron Einish, Tuscarora/Gaelic Singer Rebecca Benson, and professional percussion, and jazz drumming musician Stefan Schneider. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Get tickets

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day and this year the City is celebrating the day with events on Celebration Square in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Join us from 12 to 4 p.m. for the Michi Sagiig Anishinaabe United Pow Wow hosted by the Mississauga Nation, followed by an evening concert and celebration at 6 p.m. featuring artisan markets, food trucks and special mainstage performances with headliner, DJ Shub. Learn more

Author Talks featuring Cody Caetano

On June 21, join Cody Caetano – writer of Anishinaabe and Portuguese descent, and off-reserve member of Pinaymootang First Nation. In this free virtual talk, Cody will talk about his debut memoir, Half-Bads in White Regalia, which was longlisted for Canada Reads 2023. Register for event

Indigenous Art Along the Waterfront

Mississauga’s waterfront shoreline along Lake Ontario measures approximately 22 kilometres and provides rich opportunities to celebrate and honour Indigenous Peoples, their culture, history and ongoing stewardship of the lands and waters. Head down to the waterfront to experience a variety of artwork created by Indigenous artists. These include murals, an activation of the Moccasin Identifier project and artwork made from natural materials. Learn more

Moccasin Identifier Project

The community is invited to create a visual reminder to recognize and honour our past using a Moccasin Identifier stencil kit. Participants will use stencils to create temporary paintings of moccasins worn by Indigenous Peoples to promote awareness and understanding of the history of the land we stand on. Drop-in anytime during scheduled times. Learn more

Honouring the Mississaugas Exhibit

To commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Mississaugas leaving the Credit for a new home in Hagersville, an exhibit was created by the Museums of Mississauga in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit to honour their legacy and celebrate the history of this mighty nation. All are welcome to view this exhibition across 18 community centres and Benares Historic House throughout the month of June.

Additional Information and Resources:

• Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
• Mississauga Nation
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• Government of Canada

For more information, visit mississauga.ca/NIHM

National Indigenous History Month

Tags

• Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
• Indigenous Relations