National Indigenous History Month at VIRL

Mount Waddington, B.C. June 2021 - From Vancouver Island Regional Library: In June, Canadians celebrate National Indigenous History Month to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This is also an opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous communities.

National Indigenous History Month is a time for learning about, appreciating and acknowledging the contributions First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have made in shaping Canada. This is particularly important right now as trauma resurfaces for residential school survivors and communities grieve.

Here at the North Island branches of the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL), staff stands ready to witness, honour, and support the Indigenous communities in our area in any way we can.

NIMPH Challenge

For 20 Days leading up to National Indigenous Peoples Day take one action to further your understanding of local Indigenous communities, the ongoing effects of colonization, and engage with the many amazing Indigenous content makers, artists and creators.

Please note special contributions from Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw School students! Find them on this page under Resources for Kids.

• Use the NIPHM Challenge record to keep track of your progress, by printable pdf or online download

• Each challenge completed = 1 draw slip

• Full challenge record complete = an additional 5 draw slips

• Staff teams, families, and organizations are encouraged to engage in this process together

• Library branches will be holding draws for book prizes and gift cards from local Indigenous businesses.

• Challenge records completed by the end of June will receive an additional 5 draw slips to be entered into a grand prize draw for a $100.00 Gift Card for U'mista Cultural Centre.

Important Resources/Links

• Website Landing Page

• National Indigenous History Month Challenge Booklet.pdf

• National Indigenous Peoples History Month 2021 Draw Slip.pdf

• National Indigenous Peoples History Month Reading List 2021.pdf

• NIPMH Challenge Slide

Events

• Indigenous Maker Workshop Poster.pdf

• Indigenous Peoples Day Workshop Slide.png

*Note: More events are being finalized. You can find updated information on the National Indigenous Peoples History Month Page.

Gilakas’la, many thanks,

Laura

Laura Kaminker Library Manager Port Alice | Port Hardy | Port McNeill | Sointula | Woss branches Vancouver Island Regional Library mobile: 250-902-8495 web: virl.bc.ca