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Indigenous Studies Resources Guide

A guide to highlight works by and about Indigenous Peoples

Organizations & Statistics

Resources

The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples - the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

The year 2021 marked a significant milestone, as the 25th anniversary. National Aboriginal Day (now National Indigenous Peoples Day) was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day. This was the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups:

- in 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day

- in 1995, the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples

- also in 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day

- on June 21, 2017, the Prime Minister issued a statement announcing the intention to rename this day National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Content Warning: Please note that this section covers difficult topics and Survivor stories related to residential schools that some readers may find distressing.
For residential school Survivors and their families, 24-hour support is available through the following:

Cambrian College students may contact Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Services in room 2133 and at wabnode@cambriancollege.ca
Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-800-721-0066,
National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866 925-4419,
If you're a student from an Ontario college, please consult the student support services available at your college.