June is here and that means it’s National Indigenous History Month (NIHM). We realize that there are issues with using most of these words together: “Indigenous History” as something that is separate from just “History”; “National” in reference to a country’s borders and laws that were and still are imposed on Indigenous groups; and “Month” as something that should be thought about for only one month out of twelve. This being said, at Santropol Roulant we find that this is a good moment to highlight Indigenous peoples, organizations, events, books, and more.
As an organization that is established and well-resourced, Santropol Roulant works towards using its privilege to include and amplify the voices of traditionally marginalized communities as we believe that in order to make the food system healthier and more sustainable, we must end socioeconomic inequity.
A new Roulant committee, the Persistent Woodpeckers (we name all of our committees after birds), has been struck up to first learn about and then educate the staff and community at large about issues surrounding Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI). With the help of an external consultant, Julie Savaria, as well as our Human Resources Director and Executive Director, the Persistent Woodpeckers are incorporating trainings, workshops, film screenings and other educational opportunities into the Roulant’s life.
We recognize that these initiatives come with a risk of dissonance and ambiguity, can create discomfort, and can be received as performative. With that in mind, the Roulant is committed to continue building respectful relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities we collaborate with, through action and reflection.
The Persistent Woodpeckers will be hosting their first community film screening on Thursday, June 23. On the menu: screening of the documentary We Will Stand Up, pizza and discussions. We hope to see you there!
When: Thursday, June 23, 2022
What time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Where: 111 Roy Street East, second floor
To kick things off for this year’s NIHM, here’s a list of resources where you can learn, participate, volunteer or donate!
Events:
- We’re Still Here, Indigenous art symposium presented by Native Montreal’s youth council, until June 4th
- Nous Nous Rencontrons with Nicole O’Bomsawin, June 7th
- La Mission de Paix sur le Fleuve Saint-Laurent, June 28th
- Contemporary Native Art Biennial, art exhibitions and film screenings
- Indigenous Cultures Programming at the McCord Museum, exhibitions, discussions, and performances
- The Politics of Indigenous Identity from Concordia’s Pîkiskwêtân Indigenous Directions Learning Series, June 3rd; and Pre-launch of the Decolonial Toolbox, June 3rd
- McGill School of Continuing Studies National Indigenous History Month Event Series, June 1-29.
- Je lis autochtone initiative and Montreal events in June (link in French only)
- Kwé! À la rencontre des peuples autochtones, festival in Québec City June 17-21 (link in French only)
Organizations
- Native Friendship Center of Montreal, looking for board members, volunteers, donations
- Native Montreal, looking for volunteers
- Montreal Indigenous Community NETWORK, donations and other help needed
- Resilience Montreal, volunteering, donations, jobs
- Black Indigenous Harm Reduction Alliance
- Kahnawà:ke Tourism, sign up for newsletter at bottom of page
- Otsenhákta Student Centre at Concordia
- Cercle des Premières Nations de l’UQAM
Resources
- Indigenous Ally Toolkit and additional resources from the Montreal Indigenous Community NETWORK
- The Decolonial Toolbox : An Educational Pathway
- Government of Canada, resources, including reconciliation
- National Indigenous Peoples Day, learning and activity guide (kid-friendly)
The Persistent Woodpeckers