Indigenous Culture and Reconciliation Resources

My name is Jenn Ashton, and I am from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) First Nation. I'm a parishioner at St. Clement's, on the Parish Council (2024), and currently Discerning for the Diaconate. As of October 2024, I've also stepped into the role of Indigenous Cultural Sensitivity Leader, so please feel free to contact me, and read more about the position here.

For Indigenous people in Canada, including First Nations, Inuit and Metis, June is a month when we can safely spotlight our culture. But for us, our Indigeneity doesn't end when the calendar flips into July.

So, I would like to share some resources to keep us sharing and learning throughout the year!

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BOOKS

Massey Books in Vancouver is an Indigenous owned bookstore and they have an excellent list of 2024 releases. And you can also use their search function to find other important books as well such as:

Moon of the Crusted Snow

A Novel

By Waubgeshig Rice

Indian Horse

By Richard Wagamese

Braiding Sweetgrass

Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

By Robin Wall Kimmerer

21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act

Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality

By Bob Joseph

Killers of the Flower Moon

The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

By David Grann

Five Little Indians

A Novel

By Michelle Good

The Inconvenient Indian

A Curious Account of Native People in North America

Thomas King

And so many more, for people of all ages. When in doubt, ask a librarian!

https://storestock.massybooks.com/book-lists/indigenous-history-month

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When looking for Indigenous material, please remember that while much of what is spotlighted is importantly highlighting history, for Indigenous people it is still a very close lived experience that continues on today. Every Indigenous person you know has some family connection to Residential Schools and the historical wrongs committed against them. But, while these stories are important, we are not only this. Please also search out and support Indigenous creatives who write, produce, act and are on set for many excellent productions! I have listed a variety below. Please search your favourite channels for Indigenous offerings.