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.
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!
*******
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
*******
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.
FILMS & TV
Indian Horse
Killers of the Flower Moon
We Were Children
Little Bird
The Grizzlies
Rumble
Wind River
Slash/Back
What is Indigenous? Video for kids, but worth watching:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CISeEFTsgDA
*******
If you have time and further interest or are interested in becoming an ally, please review the material below.
COURSES AND SOURCES
Indigenous Ally Toolkit
https://www.ontarioaboriginalhousing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Indigenous_Allyship_Toolkit.pdf
This website offers free e-books, as well as different sorts of corporate training programs which I highly recommend.
https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/21-things-you-may-not-have-known-about-the-indian-act
This page has a broad offering, from Residential School Information to the Indian Act and 60s Scoop and more. Consider it a first step.
https://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/the_residential_school_system/
This is a free course offered by the University of Alberta. Anyone can take it online from anywhere. It is at a beginner level. Highly recommended.
Appreciation vs Appropriation - This website helps break it down.
Does your workplace or school have a Territory Acknowledgment?
Review this for ideas:
https://www.caut.ca/content/guide-acknowledging-first-peoples-traditional-territory
This website contains a lot of good free reading regarding racism and its effects:
Do you wonder why we wear orange shirts on September 30th? Check out the website below for Phyllis's Story
To learn more about the Nations here in North Vancouver, please visit:
Thank you for looking! If you have further questions, concerns or ideas, please drop me a line!
Jenn