Highlighting Women in the Indigenous Community
Background
Throughout the month of June, National Indigenous History Month, we have the opportunity to learn about, appreciate, and preserve the unique and rich cultures, traditions, and experiences of Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous peoples were the original inhabitants of Turtle Island, what is now known as Canada. With colonisation and white settlement, Indigenous peoples and cultures were threatened by colonial practices that sought to control and assimilate these groups. Practices such as reserves, pass systems, and residential schools - the last of which closed only 27 years ago - have had devastating and long lasting effects on the health and socio-economic well-being of Indigenous peoples.
Throughout history and to this day, Indigenous peoples have faced many injustices and been subject to unfair and inhumane treatment. In order to move forward in the spirit of truth and reconciliation, we must acknowledge and understand the effects of this history, and take steps towards being part of the solution.
Resources
McMaster University's Community Agreement
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action
Indigenous Perspectives Education Guide from Historica Canada
Books:
Broken Circle: The Dark Legacy of Indian Residential Schools by Theodore Fontaine
The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad
The Comeback by John Ralston Saul
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
Kiss of the Fur Queen by Thomson Highway
21 Things You May Not Know About The Indian Act by Bob Joseph
Instagram Accounts:
Movies/Documentaries:
The Grizzlies (Amazon Prime Video)
What Was Ours (Amazon Prime Video)
Gather (Netflix)
For Love (Netflix)
Bimibatoo-Win: Where I Ran (CBC Gem)
Podcasts:
Warrior Life
All My Relations
Red Man Laughing
Coffee With My Ma
The Henceforward
Ways to Support the Community
Groups/Organizations to support:
Indspire
Indigenous Women's Business Network
Native Women's Association of Canada
Canadian Roots Exchange
Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak
The National Association of Friendship Centres
The Native Women's. Resource Centre of Toronto
True North Aid
Events:
Attend the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival (October 17-29, 2023)
Attend an Indigenous Art & Walking Tour (July 23, 2023)
Starting at the Indigenous Garden and Mural (169 Gerrard Street)
Visit the "TUSARNITUT! Music Born of the Cold" Exhibition (at the Royal Ontario Museum)
Spotlight: Angelica Ross
Business Woman
Melissa Hardy Giles is the President & CEO of ORIGIN, an Indigenous-owned progressive business enterprise that takes pride in offering innovative technology solutions to a growing portfolio of clients in targeted industries. Melissa is the recipient of the 2021 RBC Innovative Company of the Year award, the 2019 Northern Ontario, Influential Women’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the 2019 Confederation College President’s Award, and the Indigenomics Top 10 Indigenous Businesses To Watch in Canada.
