National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of Indigenous peoples in our community. It’s also a time to reflect on the harsh and painful lessons of our history and learn about the stories, accomplishments and culture of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. 

Indigenous History Month began in 2007. Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway saw a need for Indigenous youth in her community to celebrate their culture and deepen connections to their heritage and each other. Since then, Indigenous History Month has allowed both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to come together in recognition and reflection. June also provides people with an opportunity to recommit to reconciliation and decolonization.

As an institution of higher learning, U of G acknowledges its immense role and responsibility for reconciliation and continues to work on the commitments outlined in Bi-Naagwad | It Comes Into View. We recently celebrated a project to name the Summerlee Science Complex Atrium to Waasamowin, which means “to be bathed in the light” in Anishinaabemowin. This project is in support of efforts to Indigenize science at U of G and support and retain Indigenous students in STEM. 

During National Indigenous History Month, the University encourages everyone to engage in the many opportunities on campus that highlight and amplify Indigenous voices and recognize the resilience, wisdom and contributions of Indigenous communities. So this June take a moment to reflect on the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations peoples at the U of G and beyond. 

• Charlotte Yates, President and Vice-Chancellor
• Cara Wehkamp, Assistant Vice-President (Indigenous Initiatives)

We offer our respect and gratitude to Indigenous peoples and the lands and waters that sustain us. The University of Guelph’s campuses are located on the lands of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum and the traditional lands and territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Huron Wendat. These lands are now inhabited by a rich diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We recognize that our educational and research activities also occur on Indigenous lands across Canada and globally. Through this land acknowledgment, we uphold our commitments to seeking truth and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and affirm our responsibility to realize these commitments through our ongoing actions.