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Indigenous History Month

Wa'tkwanonhwerá:ton. Welcome. Bienvenue.

Wa'tkwanonhwerá:ton is a formal greeting in Kanien'kéha (Mohawk language) that means, ‘Our minds greet yours.’

As we commemorate Indigenous History Month, let us embark on a collective journey of enlightenment, solidarity, and reconciliation. Let us honour Indigenous knowledge, amplify Indigenous voices. 

'With patience, perseverance, and commitment, we can make ourselves heard'

After more than three decades at the forefront of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), Regional Chief and Concordia expert-in-residence Ghislain Picard announced earlier this year that he would not seek another mandate.

Indigenous History Month presents an opportunity to reflect on Picard’s legacy and the impact of his 33 years of service.

Ghislain Picard looks back on 33 years with the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador

The First Nations Student Association: A Legacy of Resilience, Resistance and Resurgence

Founded amid the 1990 Oka Crisis, the First Nations Student Association at Concordia emerged as a vital space for Indigenous student leadership, cultural affirmation and advocacy. Their efforts laid the groundwork for key initiatives, including the establishment of Indigenous student services and the First Peoples Studies program.

Carole Brazeau, Advisor, Indigenous Curriculum and Pedagogy, Center for Teaching and Learning.

Indigenous Graduation

Concordia University and the Otsenhákta Student Centre are honoured to celebrate and congratulate all Indigenous Concordia graduates!

An Educational Pathway towards reconciliation

The Decolonial Toolbox offers the public an educational pathway to understanding contemporary Indigenous realities. The pathway gathers carefully-selected resources produced by Indigenous people and organizations that are accessible and promote Indigenous expertise.

Rotinonhnsión:ni history

Concordia is located on the unceded lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka, one of the six nations that comprise the Rotinonhsión:ni Confederacy. Explore the primer course on the History, Resilience and Continuance of the Rotinonhnsión:ni Confederacy available for students, faculty and staff on Moodle.

Decolonizing curriculum and pedagogy

The CTL provides you with Indigenous evidence-based research, tools and resources to re-frame your curriculum and pedagogical practices in ways that promote critical discourse, analysis and integration of Indigenous Peoples’ diverse intellectual, cultural, agricultural, and scientific knowledge systems.

Spirit Walk Montreal

June 14, 2025 on Mount Royal
Virtually from June 1-14 2025

Since 2013, the Spirit Walk has been an important moment for the Montreal community to actively take steps toward reconciliation and raise essential funds for the Native Women's Shelter of Montreal services. 

This year's theme is marking the 10th anniversary of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (“TRC”)’s final report (the “TRC Report”). 

The TRC's Calls to Action collectively reflect their recognition that the wellbeing of Indigenous women and children are fundamental to the broader goals of justice, healing, and reconciliation.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. It's a time to recognize and celebrate the traditions, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

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.

June 21- National Indigenous Peoples Day - Montreal events

POP Montreal is hosting a free concert for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. They are partnering with Resilience Montreal and the Native Women's Shelter for an event in Cabot Square. 

Jun 21, 2025
Doors: 2:30 p.m. | Show: 3:00 p.m.

Books

Explore these recommendations from the Concordia Library and engage with a rich collection of resources on Indigenous topics and perspectives.

How do you say...

Indigenous language guide. A starting point for your personal exploration and appreciation of indigenous languages. 

Indigenous days of significance

Explore this non-exhaustive list to learn more about days of significance among Indigenous communities at Concordia and beyond.

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