June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a time of year that is sacred to Indigenous Peoples as the coming of summer solstice represents the start of salmon and berry picking season and is a time of giving thanks to the Creator, Mother Earth, and Grandfather Sun for the important seasonal shift of light, growth, and abundance.

With COVID-19, life has changed in many ways and has called societies to be creative, flexible, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. With Elders and community partners, the Office of Indigenization organized a weeklong celebration of National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day under the theme “Spirit of the Sun”, highlighting and celebrating how Indigenous cultures and the practicing of our cultural traditions is a renewable source of vitality for our Peoples.

HEALING THROUGH CULTURE & SPIRITUALITY WITH LORELEI BOYCE, SECWEPEMC NATION

Lorelei Boyce is a proud First Nations woman from the Secwepemc Nation, a residential school Survivor and is a registered British Columbia Clinical Counsellor. In a session titled Transformation Work: From Darkness to Light, Lorelei engages in a conversation about the centrality of culture and spirituality to health and wellness amidst COVID-19.

Click here to purchase the Sacred Four Directions Meditation Lorelei shared in her presentation.

 

STARBLANKET TEACHINGS AND DESIGN WORK WITH SHARIFAH MARSDEN

Sharifah Marsden is an Anishinaabe artist from the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. Since early childhood, Sharifah has been directed toward a life of art and culture. She draws from her knowledge of the Woodlands Style of Art, Traditional Beadwork, and Regalia and creates unique works of acrylic paintings, beadwork, and engraved jewelry.

AY LELUM- THE GOOD HOUSE OF DESIGN

Ay Lelum is a Coast Salish fashion design house that involves the whole family. From garment design to featured art patterns, from storytelling to the creation of their music, the family invites you to learn about how their collective and intergenerational approach works in a good way for future generations.

We respectfully acknowledge JIBC's New Westminster campus is located on the unceded Traditional Territories of the Qayqayt, Musqueam and Coast Salish Peoples.