Indigenous History Month | Cambridge Public Library

Two First Nations people standing together, wearing traditional clothing and carrying a hide drum

Every year in June, we celebrate Indigenous History Month across Canada. It is a time to recognize and honour the rich and diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

This month is also intended for education and reflection, encouraging all those who live in Canada to learn about the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization and to understand the resilience of Indigenous communities. Learning more is a key step towards reconciliation, as it helps us build a more equitable future that acknowledges historical injustices and embraces the full inclusion of Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous History Month culminates on National Indigenous Peoples Day on Saturday, June 21. This date, coinciding with the summer solstice, holds deep cultural significance for many Indigenous communities, marking a time of celebration and renewal.

Booklists and Resources

In honor of Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day, Cambridge Public Library has curated several booklists:

For adults, we offer a fiction list featuring Indigenous authors, highlighting Indigenous voices and experiences through powerful storytelling.
For younger readers, we've created an extensive list of Indigenous Children’s Books We Love, providing a starting point for children and their caregivers to engage in meaningful conversations.

Local National Indigenous Peoples Day Events

Many organizations in Waterloo Region are hosting events in commemoration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, a chance for the community to come together:

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration, University of Waterloo on Thursday, June 19
Indigenous Cultures within the Grand River, McDougall Cottage on Friday, June 20
Sunrise Gathering (O:se Kenhionhata:tie), Kitchener Waterloo Multicultural Festival on Saturday, June 21
At First Light, The Museum on Saturday, June 21
KAIROS Facilitated Blanket Exercise, Mount Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 21
Ode’imin Giizis: Healing Through UNITY Traditional Powwow, Ken Seiling Museum on Sunday, June 22
Art from the Heart, Crow Sheild Lodge on Tuesday, June 24
Indigenous Sharing Circle with Kelly Welch, Kitchener Public Library on Thursday, June 26

For additional resources, the City of Cambridge offers a webpage dedicated to continued learning and to share information with members of Indigenous communities. You can also find more online resources about the reconciliation journey through the Government of Canada.