Celebrating National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day

As we transition from spring to summer, the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc) invites you to explore, learn and celebrate June’s National Indigenous History Month. During this month, we honour and recognize the rich history, culture, resilience and accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. June 21 being National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day of particular significance as it coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, celebrated by many Indigenous peoples and communities.

At RCCbc, we’re physician-led network dedicated to improving rural health in BC, we’re also committed to elevating Indigenous voices and creating safe spaces for them to be seen and heard. This commitment extends beyond the month and June 21; it is a daily practice of reflection, learning, unlearning, and meaningful action. We emphasize the importance of engaging with Indigenous history, pursuing educational opportunities, challenging stereotypes and biases, and actively advocating for Indigenous rights while addressing the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. There lies a significant journey of unlearning and decolonizing ahead, both for us individually and within our teams, as well as collectively as a network. However, this challenge should not discourage us; instead, it should inspire and strengthen our commitment to advancing Indigenous health within rural health care.

We encourage you to join the celebration by engaging with and learning about the diverse Indigenous cultures and exploring the resources within your community to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Indigenous history, resilience, and contributions. Here are some ways to participate:

• Learn about the territory you live on: Discover the traditional lands you occupy and acknowledge the history of the Indigenous Peoples who have lived there.
• Explore Indigenous languages: Dive into the Indigenous languages spoken in your region and appreciate the linguistic diversity.
• Read and watch: Educate yourself by reading books and watching films by Indigenous authors and filmmakers. Their stories provide invaluable insights into Indigenous experiences and perspectives.
• Attend community events: Participate in events within your community that celebrate Indigenous cultures, such as festivals, ceremonies, and educational workshops.

Resources

RCCbc’s resources

• RCCbc’s Truth and Reconciliation page
• Truth and Reconciliation Updates In RCCbc’s 2023 Annual Report 
• Specialist, Sub-specialty, Indigenous and Funding for Innovation Grant: This grant is available to eligible groups of specialists, family physicians with sub-specialties and Indigenous communities in Rural Subsidiary Agreement (RSA) communities.
• Compassionate Leadership Course: The Compassionate Leadership Community of Practice and its training program is led by Team Atleo. In sharing their teachings, Team Atleo hopes to inspire curiosity and spark interest in the value and practical application of Compassionate Leadership in the health care system.
• RTVS Edge of Care: This documentary follows the story of community leaders, elders, artists, knowledge keepers, and physicians as they work together to deliver equitable health care to the most remote and rural communities in British Columbia
• Indigenous Medical Education Gathering: The Indigenous Physicians Network brings together Indigenous students, residents, and physicians and non-Indigenous allies in BC to build a community of practice to address Indigenous health and wellness, while incorporating Indigenous cultural teachings, workshops and activities.

Partner resources

UBC Learning Circle: The UBC Learning Circle is a partnership between the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health and the First Nations Health Authority. The intent is to provide educational and informational opportunities to health care workers and professionals in First Nations communities.

UBC Indigenous Medicine: Learn more about the Indigenous Pathway to the MD Undergraduate Program and about our annual pre-admissions workshop for Indigenous pre-med students where prospective students, including postsecondary and high school students can explore what it means to embark on a journey to becoming a healthcare professional.

UBC Campus Events: Learn about the Indigenous events across all UBC campuses.

FNHA Indigenous People’s Day of Wellness Grants: These grants are intended to support gathering initiatives that encourage and support First Nations in BC to host community-led wellness celebrations, events, and honour National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2024.

Community resources:

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action.

Native Land: A living resource to help identify territories, languages, and treaties.

First Voices: A web-based tools and services designed to support Indigenous people engaged in language archiving, language teaching and culture revitalization.

Indigenous Tourism BC: Discover the vibrant celebrations and rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities through Indigenous Tourism BC app.