The source of Alternative Dispute Resolution information, resources and expertise in Alberta Alberta’s professional association of mediators, arbitrators and other ADR practitioners

Listen, Learn, Support & Engage: Indigenous History Month

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June is Indigenous History Month in Canada.

Recent news has reminded us of the importance of holding space for Indigenous voices, having hard conversations, supporting Indigenous organizations and recommitting ourselves to learning. Indigenous History Month was declared in 2009, and although the word history may suggest that we are simply revisiting the past, we must also take the time to consider the many ways in which the past shapes our present and continues to influence the future.

As leaders in the dispute resolution field, ADRIA values and draws strength from our diversity. Racism and discrimination are undeniably a part of our collective history in Canada and we seek to listen and learn in order to ensure racism and other forms of discrimination have no place in our future. For more on our commitment to diversity, please read our page on Diversity Matters.

Throughout June and the year ahead, we encourage all of our members and the public to listen, learn, support and engage in Indigenous topics.

Below are some featured resources – what are some of your favourite resource and organizations? Let us know!

Learn & Educate Yourself

Attend our free webinar featuring Dr. Shalene Jobin on June 8 – Indigenous Peoples, An Alberta Primer

Watch the ADRIC recordings on Diversity in ADR, including:

Members of the public can learn about how to support people experiencing trauma through an Indigenous produced resource.

Take the free Indigenous Canada Course at the University of Alberta.

Join the Kairos Canada National Indigenous History Month Events

  • Tuesday, June 15 (7-9pm ET) – Metis Teachings
  • Monday, June 21 (7-9pm ET) – We are All Treaty People
  • Tuesday, June 29 (7-9pm ET) – Social Injustice in the Courts

View the recording of our Indigenous History Month webinar from 2020 featuring Ry Moran speaking about the important work of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation or his subsequent presentation about Truth & Reconciliation work in Canada.

Take part in some free virtual events from the Canadian Club including:

  • A New Type of Capitalism with Guy Cormier (Desjardins Group), Kayla Isabelle (StartUp Canada) and Jenn Harper (Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics), moderated by David Skok (The Logic)
  • Dany Assaf – Author, Say Please And Thank You & Stand In Line: One Man’s Story Of What Makes Canada Special, And How To Keep it that Way

Listen to Indigenous Stories

One Story, One Song by Richard Wagamese

Ragged Company by Richard Wagamese

From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle

Stories from the Land Podcast

Check out the various Indigenous Collections available through the Alberta Library System.

Find stories and activity downloads from Indigenous communities across Canada.

Read a professional development resource called Mark of the Métis: Traditional Knowledge and Stories of the Métis Peoples of Northeastern Alberta

Support Indigenous Communities

Support Indigenous led community organizations such as the Alberta Native Friendship Centres, Native Counselling Services of Alberta, and the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Take part in Indigenous-led experiences through Indigenous Tourism Alberta.

Donate through a registered charity like Reconciliation Canada or Indian Residential School Survivors Society

Share and seek support through the Indian Residential School Crisis Line (24-hour, national crisis line) created to provide support for former students and others affected by the recent news: 1-866-925-4419

Engage & Continue the Conversation Year Round

Have conversations with your friends, family and colleagues about residential schools and other parts of Indigenous history. Keep the conversation going throughout the year – not just during the month of June. Celebrate the heritage, diversity and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis!