June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada and it is a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
We encourage our Compassionate Community to honour and learn about the unique cultures, traditions, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples. National Indigenous History Month is about celebrating those who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada.
Get Involved
Discover Indigenous storytelling by picking up a book, attending a show, or engaging with works by Indigenous artists. Centre the perspectives of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis by engaging with creators, speakers, and members of your local community.
Approach your educational journey with openness and curiosity by attending celebrations on June 21 for National Indigenous Peoples Day. Learn about present-day First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities around you and the traditional land you live on. Understand the significance of a land acknowledgement, and take steps towards honouring the truth through Reconciliation.
Find National Indigenous History Month programming in New West:
- June 21: National Indigenous People’s Day, Moody Park, 9:30 Am – 2:30 PM
- June 28: Welcome to My Renaissance, Centennial Lodge – Queen’s Park. 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cultural Understanding of Health
As we celebrate, the NWHS reaffirms our commitment to reconciliation and decolonization. An ongoing movement in health care is to increase Indigenous voices in conversations about End-Of-Life care. In British Columbia we are grateful to have the perspectives and resources of the First Nations Health Authority. This partnership between First Nations communities and health services provides guidance on culturally safe practices throughout the broader health care system.
By providing community-based services FNHA is able to address service gaps via partnerships, collaborations, health systems innovation, and reform and redesign of health programs and services. They aim to embed cultural safety and humility into health service delivery and to improve health outcomes for First Nations people.
FNHA provides a framework for wellness and palliative care through the indigenous lens.
Resources for Indigenous Health
First Nations Health Authority
Indigenous Palliative Care Projects
- Palliative Care Toolkit for Indigenous Communities
- Indigenous Perspectives on Palliative and End-Of-Life Care
- Living My Culture
It is important to celebrate Indigenous Peoples and culture through every stage of life, to gain understanding and perspective, and to support our Compassionate Communities in ways that centre First Nations, Inuit and Métis voices.