June marks National Indigenous History Month (NIHM). This is a meaningful time and opportunity for each of us to continue our reconciliation journey through reflection, learning, and action.

This month invites us all to honour the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

NIHM is also an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements and enduring contributions of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on and stewarded this land since time immemorial

From June 14 to 21, it’s National Indigenous Physical Activity Awareness Week (NIPAAW). NIPAAW promotes physical activity in urban and rural Indigenous communities through simple and fun initiatives.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a celebration of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contributions. This day also aligns with the summer solstice, a day of great cultural significance.

We are committed to learning and unlearning together — honouring diverse knowledge systems and ways of being in all that we do.

Resources are available below to support your learning.

Training

• Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, from the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC). Expressions of interest to take this course are due June 24, 2026. Find more information here.
  
  
• Four Seasons of Indigenous Learning Course, from the Outdoor Learning School.

Resources

• Decolonization of Park Practices, from Park People.
  
  
• Elevating Indigenous Governance and Leadership in Urban Parks, from the IPCA Knowledge Basket.
  
  
• Factsheet: Applying an Indigenous Inclusion Lens to Climate Adaptation, from the Green Municipal Fund.
  
  
• Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities, from the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC.
  
  
• Indigenous Communities: Active for Life, from Sport for Life.
  
  
• Indigenous Long–Term Participant Development Pathway, from Sport for Life.
  
  
• Municipal Guide on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
  
  
• ​​​The First Nations Perspective on Health and Wellness, from the First Nations Health Authority.
  
  
• Learning Resources About First Nations, Inuit and Métis Across Canada, from the Government of Canada.
  
  
• Images to Share for National Indigenous History Month, from the Government of Canada.

Additional Reading

• Building Bridges Through Landmark Moments: Since time immemorial, the Secwépemc people have used landmarks to relay information about their traditional territory in the southern interior of BC. To those who knew the signs, carefully balanced stones, piles of dirt and pictographs marked the edge of territory, good fishing spots and other important details. Today, with the help of municipal governments in the Shuswap region, the Secwépemc are erecting landmarks again, but now they serve as signs of bridge-building between communities. Read more.
  
  
• Physical Literacy with a Frisbee: Ultimate Spirit Brings Communities Together: What does it look like when recreation becomes a vehicle for belonging, trust, and social change? Ultimate Spirit, an Indigenous-focused initiative delivered by BC Ultimate Society, is demonstrating how recreation can strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across BC through the unique culture of ultimate frisbee, a self-refereed sport rooted in respect, communication, and shared accountability. Read more.