Celebrate Indigenous History Month!

Indigenous History Month is here!

This year, DWF is celebrating by highlighting Indigenous Excellence: Past, Present, and Future with stories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis change makers and leaders from coast to coast to coast. We hope you will join us in celebrating the talent and contributions of Indigenous people all month long!

Read to the end for a surprise giveaway!

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Celebrating Indigenous Excellence: Past, Present, & Future

In June, people throughout Canada celebrate Indigenous History Month (IHM) to honour the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous Peoples.

This year we are highlighting Indigenous Excellence: Past, Present, and Future by shining a spotlight on the tremendous talent and contributions of Indigenous people throughout history and up to today, who inspire the future leaders of tomorrow. Follow us on social media to learn about change makers throughout the country!

Plus, on Tuesdays, meet us in our Instagram stories for #IndigenousTriviaTuesday!

   

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Listen to DWF’s Indigenous History Month Playlist on Spotify

Celebrate Indigenous History Month by listening to artists like Beatrice Deer, Julian Taylor, Morgan Toney, and Buffy Sainte-Marie.

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Do Something to Celebrate Indigenous History Month

We can all Do Something to celebrate Indigenous History Month. Not sure where to start? Here are some of our ideas:

• Attend a powwow or other local community event in your region.
• Educate yourself about Indigenous history in Canada. Check out DWF’s resources online.
• Learn about the land you’re on and the treaties signed in your region.
• Watch videos by Indigenous filmmakers.
  • Little Bird is streaming on Crave and was executive produced by Artist Ambassador, Jennifer Podemski.
  • Bones of Crows is now in theatres. We have two sets of double tickets to give away! Email communications@downiewenjack.ca with your name, email address, and how you’re celebrating Indigenous History Month by Friday, June 9. The first two to email us will receive a set of tickets redeemable for any showtime at any Cineplex in Canada.
  • Check out Alanis Obomsawin’s library of films at the National Film Board.

What are you doing to celebrate Indigenous History Month? Let us know by sharing with us on social media! Make sure you tag @DownieWenjack!

Data Visualization with Viz for Social Good

We are thrilled to unveil an exciting competition that combines the power of data visualization with the mission of making a positive impact in ReconciliACTION’s across Canada kicking off June 9, 2023. In collaboration with Viz for Social Good, we invite data enthusiasts of all skill levels from professionals and students to visualize DWF’s ReconciliACTION data.

LEARN MORE

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Legacy Spaces Updates

The GroupHEALTH Benefit solutions Legacy Space is the first one created in Surrey, BC.

GroupHEALTH Benefit solutions proudly unveiled their first Legacy Space in their Surrey, BC head office on May 2. The space reflects the organization’s commitment to truth and reconciliation and serves as one of the pillars of their Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging program. The space includes a beautiful mural painted by Stó:lō and Métis artist, Manda Hugon, as well as a library of books by Indigenous authors. The event was capped off by a captivating performance by local dance troupe the Wild Moccasin Dancers.

Bimbo Canada has created Legacy Spaces in four different cities since joining the program in 2022.

On May 10, Bimbo Canada officially launched their Winnipeg Legacy Space to members of the public. This marked the unveiling of the first Legacy Space inside a manufacturing facility, and guests were treated to a tour of the space and a presentation about the mural displayed on the outside of the building. The event was followed by a reception where guests could share their own stories and learn more about Bimbo Canada’s commitment to reconciliation.

“In Winnipeg, we are taking action to bring awareness to and educate everyone in the history of residential schools as a way to show our support for all the families that have been impacted by this and honour the memories of the Indigenous kids who never made it home,” says Emmanuel Osagie, Bakery Supervisor, Bimbo Canada. “We can never forget what happened and must ‘Do Something’ to spread the word and inspire change.”

The Legacy Space inside the Peterborough Public Library is open to the public every day during regular hours.

We celebrated the launch of a Legacy Space inside the Peterborough Public Library on May 27. The event featured an incredible poem by Peterborough’s Inaugural Poet Laureate, Sarah Lewis, that paid tribute to Chanie Wenjack, along with drumming and singing from Unity, and food prepared by Grandfather’s Kitchen from Curve Lake First Nation. This marks the first Legacy Space ever created inside a public library, and we are so excited to see the impact it will have in their local community.

Welcome to our latest partners, General Motors Canada!

LEARN MORE ABOUT LEGACY SPACES