Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor:

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day, and throughout our province and country, communities continue to pursue truth as they search for the remains of lost children at the sites of former residential schools.

It’s a heartbreaking reminder of Canada’s painful history and it compels us all to continue to educate ourselves and to take action toward reconciliation. That is why I shared in my installation address that UM is committed to reconciliation at all levels – in governance, leadership, and practice.

Led by Dr. Catherine Cook and the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous), UM is working with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (located on the Fort Garry campus) and Indigenous partners across Canada to advance the Calls to Action and to integrate Indigenous ways of knowing into everything we do. We have the big idea that UM can provide an inclusive, supportive environment where Indigenous scholars, staff and students want to teach, work and learn.

Last month, we held UM’s 33^rd Indigenous Grad Pow Wow where we celebrated 415 Indigenous graduates. I enjoyed speaking with students at the event, some who shared how they benefited from the Indigenous Student Centre and other supports and programs committed to their success. We continue to invest in these supports as we want the diversity of our university community to reflect the diversity of our province.

We all owe tremendous gratitude to the Indigenous Elders, students, staff, and faculty who participate in teaching and learning at UM, helping us integrate traditional knowledge into everything we do.

On June 21, and always, I invite everyone in the UM community to celebrate the history, culture, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples across all of Turtle Island, who were here long before colonialists set foot on its shores. I remind us all to renew our understanding of Indigenous history in Canada or visit for the first time such documents as the history of residential schools, Survivors’ stories, and The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Dr. Catherine Cook, Vice-President (Indigenous):

National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day give us an opportunity to reflect on where we come from, to highlight and thank those who are doing some incredibly heavy lifting, and to celebrate the diverse art, music and writing of First Nations, Métis and Inuit creators.

Every month and day of the year, we see strength and commitment from Indigenous people who are leading change. This work is intensified by the personal and familial connections that we have to historic and existing systems that cause us harm. Still, we persevere and witness resilience in each other.

We are thankful for individuals like Elder Margaret Lavallee, Senator Mary Jane McCallum and Elder Levina Brown, who received honorary degrees for their lifelong dedication to Indigenous students and communities, for educating all peoples on the importance of Indigenous knowledge and history, and advocating for equity.

We are inspired by young people like Gabrielle Fontaine, Jesse McGregor, Taylor Tutkaluke and Ashley Richard, who are undertaking groundbreaking research, finishing their degrees despite having to continually pivot throughout the pandemic and creating spaces for Indigenous people to innovate.

We are motivated by colleagues, alumni, friends and community partners who are revitalizing Indigenous languages, creating circles of mentorship and making bold ideas a reality.

We invite everyone to join us in celebrating. On June 21, Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences is hosting a day of activities at the Bannatyne Campus, and the Indigenous community at UM has compiled a selection of books, music, resources and more to add to your summer reading and play lists. There is certainly no shortage of Indigenous people and content for us to be getting to know this month, day and all throughout the year.

In no particular order, here are the Top 10 recommendations: 

1. Shekon Neechie 

“Shekon Neechie is a great website that provides a venue for Indigenous historians to gather as an e-community and share their ideas or works in progress.” 

2. Voices of the Land: Indigenous Design Design and Planning from the Praires by Naomi Ratte, Reanna Merasty, Desiree Theriault, Danielle Desjarlais (Faculty of Architecture, UM) 

“A collection of stories from indigenous design students raising the profile of Indigenous people in the design profession with a passion to challenge conventional approaches to design.” 

3. A Girl Called Echo – Graphic Novel Series by Katherena Vermette 

“These graphic novels tell the story of Echo Desjardins, a 13-year-old Métis girl, who travels back in time and learns about her Métis history. The first book goes through the Pemmican Wars, the Red River Resistance, the Northwest Resistance, and then the Road Allowance Era. Such a unique way to teach and relate to Métis history. With beautiful illustrations by UM alumni Scott B. Henderson and Donovan Yaciuk, Katherena Vermette could not have picked a better team to create this series.” 

4. Sky Wolf’s Call: The Gift of Indigenous Knowledge by Eldon Yellowhorn & Kathy Lowinger

“Sky Wolf’s Call is a collection of Indigenous knowledge of the natural world across Indigenous communities throughout Turtle Island. Each chapter focuses on a different element (fire, water, food, etc.). For example, the water chapter gives mythological stories about the ways water is sacred and how these stories shape culture, shows how the ancient Hohokam’s built canals and how canoes shaped North American coasts. I like that it included examples from tribes across Canada, the US, and Mexico. It’s very informative and includes a glossary and further reading examples.” 

5. William Prince 

“William is a folk singer from Selkirk (family ties to Peguis First Nation). I saw him opening for Neil Young and Crazy Horse a few years back and I just fell in love with his music and his voice. I can listen to him all day as I work. He’s a fantastic song writer.” 

6. Desiree Dorion 

“I’m recommending musician Desiree Dorion, whose new single “Wouldn’t That Be Fun” will make you want to get up and dance. Her songwriting is catchy and joyful, and at other times deeply poignant. You’ll definitely want to add her music to your playlist. A member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Desiree is based in Dauphin, Manitoba. She’s also a UM alum, graduating with an LL.B. in 2008. That’s right, she’s a lawyer too!” 

7. Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World 

“It tells the story of a profound, essential, and, until now, missing chapter in the history of American music: the Indigenous influence.” 

8. Beans 

“This film tells the story of a girl nicknamed Beans during the 78-day stand-off between two communities in Quebec (Kanesatake and the town of Oka) with the involvement government forces in 1990. Rather than focusing on the story of the Oka Crisis itself, this story follows the Mohawk perspective and demonstrates the injustices and the racism that they experienced. Very well done.”  

9. Tia Wood 

“Tia Wood is a Cree and Salish content creator/influencer from B.C. She’s also a wonderful singer. She uses her platform to shine a light on Indigenous culture and to educate people on Indigenous history. Her voice is beautiful, and that talent runs in her family. Her sister is Fawn Wood (I just recently made the connection). Check her out too!”  

10. Shina Novalinga 

“The Inuit representation on social media isn’t as loud as the other Indigenous groups in Canada, but one influencer does stick out and does a really great job at showcasing Inuit culture. I was introduced to Shina when she posted a video of her and her mom throat singing. Now I just love learning about Inuit culture and their way of life. Someday I’m going to try raw caribou meat and raw beluga whale.” 

In no particular order, here are the Top 10 recommendations:  

1. Rekindling the Sacred Fire: Métis Ancestry and Anishinaabe Spirituality by Chantal Fiola, University of Manitoba Press  

“This book presents interesting examples of how several Métis people are exploring their relationships with spirituality in different ways.”
-Dr. Todd Duhamel, Métis
 Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

2. @NativeLoveNotes on Instagram, created by Amy Jackson

“Native Love Notes is a place of belonging to spread love and laughter among neechies. It’s hard to put just one sentence. Amy is truly an inspiration to all Indigenous entrepreneurs.”
-Katherine Davis, Métis
Change management and project services, Human Resources

3. Walking Eagle News by Editor-in-Grand-Chief Tim Fontaine

“Created in 2017 by Editor-in-Grand-Chief Tim Fontaine, Walking Eagle News exposes truth through satire.”
-Ruth Shead, member of Peguis First Nation
Director, Indigenous Engagement and Communications

4. Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq, Penguin Random House Canada

“Tanya Tagaq’s Split Tooth is just simply amazing. The way she shares her stories and poems in this book was so awe-inspiring. It absolutely blew me away and touched my heart and soul on so many different levels.”
-Brittany Laplante, Saulteaux
Student assistant, Indigenous Engagement and Communications

5. This Place: 150 Years Retold, multiple editors, Portage & Main Press

“I recommend this because it showcases Indigenous perspectives and storytelling from all over Canada, on topics like war and psychic battles, as well as featuring beautiful illustrations. There is a story to connect to for everyone.”
-Deanna Garand, Métis
Student, University 1

6. Firekeepers Daughter by Angeline Boulley, Henry Holt and Co.

“Powerful story of a young woman’s brilliance and strength that is rooted in culture; heart-pounding, mainstream fiction that is woven with Anishinaabemowin and ancestral teachings.”
-Christine Cyr, Métis
Associate Vice-President (Indigenous), Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)

7. The work of Architect Douglas Cardinal

“Douglas Cardinal is a world-famous First Nation Architect that incorporates Indigenous knowledge into architecture.”
-Randy Hermann, Métis
Director, Engineering Access Program

8. @NotoriousCree on Instagram, created by James Jones

“@NotoriousCree’s stories and reels are inspiring and they promote a respectful way to become informed AND I watch it for the traditional dancing!”  
-Cathy Lund, Métis
Indigenous career consultant, Career Services

9. The Land Back Issue from Briarpatch Magazine

“The Land Back Issue is a collection of historical timelines, essays and poetry by inspiring Indigenous writers paired with stunning art pieces that provides a glimpse into the powerful Land Back movement.”
-Nickita Longman, Saulteaux
Communications coordinator, Indigenous Engagement and Communications

10. Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City by Tanya Talaga, House of Anansi Press

“Both heartbreaking and eye-opening, this book takes the reader on a journey of exploring relevant themes experienced by Indigenous peoples such as systematic racism, but instills within its story a call for action.”
-Zoe Quill, member of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation
Student, Faculty of Science

Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor:

The immense importance of reconciliation is never far from my mind, and in these recent weeks, it has come into even greater focus. How appropriate then that I have my first opportunity, as President and Vice-Chancellor, to acknowledge June as National Indigenous History Month and June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have had the opportunity to connect with members of the Indigenous community through virtual events like the inaugural Asper Research Conference on Indigenous Business and Indigenous graduation celebration. I look forward to connecting in person when safe to do so and continuing to build those relationships.

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the rich histories, cultures, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. I was thrilled to learn the largest cohort of Indigenous graduates in UM history – 582 – was recently recognized at convocation, and members of the UM community were honoured with Indspire Awards and Indigenous Awards of Excellence.

While there is much to celebrate as we honour the achievements of members of the Indigenous community, collective grief and anger also wash over Turtle Island. A horrific piece of history was brought to light in the discovery of the remains of hundreds of children in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops) and at other former residential school sites across Canada – the lasting effects of the residential school system and colonization still poignant today.

UM, in partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous partners, is committed to moving forward on the path to reconciliation. Beginning with truth is critical.

We are in a unique position to study and work at an institution with many resources, events and learning opportunities available, and I encourage everyone to make the time to engage with these opportunities.

Everyone must continue to learn – and unlearn – every day. Listen to Indigenous voices. Build connections with Indigenous Elders, students, staff, faculty, leaders and communities. Engage in meaningful dialogue. And do your homework: read the history of residential schools, read Survivors’ stories, read The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and read the 94 Calls to Action. We cannot say we support Truth and Reconciliation without a willingness to learn the truth.

To the Indigenous community leading us in this journey: thank you for your innumerable contributions, for sharing your perspectives and knowledge(s), and for continuing to drive change at UM and beyond.

On National Indigenous Peoples Day and every day, we celebrate and honour you. A stronger future for all peoples lies ahead because of you.

Dr. Catherine Cook, Vice-President (Indigenous):

As we mark National Indigenous History Month, it is evident that Canadian history still does not reflect Indigenous history. People across the country and around the globe are reacting with shock to the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children found in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and now, at additional sites across the country, but this discovery is not surprising to Indigenous communities who have talked about unmarked graves at residential “schools” for decades.

I’d like to share a story about how I see Canada’s role in reflecting Indigenous history.

Like many families, mine enjoys pizza night. One night, after a tragic bus crash stopped the nation in its tracks, my daughter answered the door when the pizza delivery arrived. She was wearing a green ribbon as a symbol of support for the families whose lives had been changed forever. The pizza deliverer was also wearing a ribbon, only his was orange. He acknowledged her ribbon, listened to her story of what it meant to her and said, “Let me explain why mine is orange.” He shared that his children learned about the residential school system in class and they taught him about the harms caused and the intergenerational trauma that continues today. This was new information to him, and he felt the responsibility to understand and share it.

Like this individual, all Canadians must make it a priority to understand Indigenous history, embrace it, share it and take responsibility for the development of a better Canada.

June is also a time when we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time for us to recognize excellence in Inuit, Métis and First Nations communities. Throughout the pandemic, we have witnessed countless Indigenous students, staff, faculty and alumni go above and beyond.

Dr. Marcia Anderson, Melanie MacKinnon and Melody Muswaggon have all played essential roles in protecting First Nations communities. Métis professor Dr. Michelle Driedger has been leading research on understanding public health communications so people can better understand how they can protect themselves. Despite the new challenges of remote learning, the largest cohort of Indigenous students graduated this year, including Nicole Luke, who may be the first Inuk to complete an architecture program in Canada.

These are just a few examples of the incredible successes that we invite all UM community members to share in honouring.