June is National Indigenous History Month.
The library is committed to listening, supporting and learning at this time. Indigenous culture and history have been missing in Canada and we know we have a lot of learning to do. Take advantage of these online resources that are being offered!
A great starting point for learning is Indigenous Canada. It is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), developed by the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies, that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada, from an Indigenous perspective. It's free and totally online. Link.
The University of Toronto also has a MOOC - Aboriginal Worldviews and Education. It explores indigenous ways of knowing and how they can benefit all students. Link.
Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research has launched The Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture. It is full of exhibits and learning resources, including oral history interviews, photographs and various archival documents – in visual, audio and video files. Link.
For kids, parents and teachers, the Indigenous Knowledge & Wisdom Centre (IKWC) has vast resources over four different age levels. It covers topics like history, culture, digital storytelling. Link.
And also for kids, there are beautiful stories to share.
The Métis Nation of Alberta has a YouTube channel - check out Story Time with Kookum. Link.
Another great storytime video is from Monique Gray Smith. She reads from her children's book, My Heart Fills With Happiness. Link.