Each year, we honour National Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st. June is an essential time of reflection on our collective past for those living and working on Indigenous lands now known as Canada, and locally the First Nations’ unceded traditional territories now collectively known as British Columbia.
On behalf of the province’s creative sector, BC Creates and its united creative industry associations gratefully acknowledge the 200,000 Indigenous people living in B.C., including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. The sector operates across the unceded homelands of 34 First Nations language and cultural groups, encompassing nearly 60 dialects and representing over 200 distinct First Nations in B.C.
The creative industries are crucial in prioritizing, empowering, and foregrounding original Indigenous stories and those who have the right to tell them. These stories are foundational to this place and to reflecting on, and understanding, our collective past. They offer wisdom and truth from unique viewpoints about the histories, sacrifices, cultures, contributions, and strengths of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.
National Indigenous History Month encourages us to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples who commemorate their history with pride and a spirit of preservation. For non-Indigenous people, it is a call to learn about the unique cultures, traditions, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples. For the creative sector especially, it is a time to connect with the role they have played and continue to play in shaping every facet of the creative sector’s fabric.
Here are some ways the creative industries in B.C. are foregrounding First Nations, Inuit, and Métis stories, taking action, and providing resources to champion a dynamic, safe and equitable future for their creators and everyone in these industries.
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#NIHM2024
Celebrating Recent Successes
- Indigenous hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids to star in eponymous comedy show on CBC
- B.C.’s Dolly Kruger named recipient of 2024 RBC Emerging Indigenous Filmmaker Award
- William’s Lake First Nation Focused Film SUGARCANE wins at Sundance Film Festival 2024
- B.C.’s film industry raises $100K to give back to Metro Vancouver Regional Parks
- The Cowichan Sweater: Our Knitted Legacy nominated for Best Documentary at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards
- Hot Docs Ted Rogers Fund Awards $85,000 to Back Six Canadian Doc Projects including B.C.’s Ryan Dickie
- Yintah wins Best Canadian Documentary and Audience Award at the Rogers Hot Docs Festival
- Creative BC awards $200,000 in early project development funding to 11 Indigenous B.C. filmmakers through Rogers Indigenous Film Fund
Resources and Events
Book + Magazine Publishing
- In Conversation with Billy-Ray Belcourt – Upstart and Crow June 27
- 2024 Showcase BC & Yukon Book Finalists – Massy Arts Society June 20
- Indigenous Books for Schools
- Indigenous History Month Reading – Massy Books, a 100% owned and operated Indigenous bookstore
- 9 Books to Read this Indigenous History Month – Read Local BC
- Indigenous Collections at your local branch – Vancouver Public Library
- Indigenous Reading List for Adults – Vancouver Public Library
- Indigenous-owned Bookstores in Canada – Rocky Mountain Books
Interactive + Digital Media
- Interconnected: Exploring Indigenous Perspectives on Earth Matters – Science World
- Discover Authentic Indigenous artists, hosts, and businesses. Learn common Indigenous words and phrases from diverse languages. Hear traditional music, stories, and legends from all across Indigenous BC. – Indigenous BC App
- Discover B.C. video games, game developers, companies and more. – IndigiGeeks
Motion Picture
- Beyond Human Power – Douglas College June 18
- Dual Film Screening & Discussion with Filmmaker Neil-Aaron – Massy Arts Society June 8
- Yintah screening – VIFF June 14-18
- National Indigenous Peoples Day: Pêyakotêwisiwin Dir. Jules Arita Koostachin at Cinematheque
- Indigenous Film Collection – Vancouver Public Library
- Indigenous Cinema – National Film Board of Canada
- Rogers Indigenous Film Fund Program Resource Hub – Creative BC
Music + Sound Recording
- B.C. artists present at Indigenous Music Summit in Toronto, Ontario
- Indigenous BC Playlist – Music BC
- Live & Local Artist Session: Norine Braun Thu, June 6 | 6-7pm | Seylynn Community Recreation Centre | Free
- Live & Local Artist Session: Jordan Dawson Thu, June 13 | 6-7pm | Lions Gate Plaza | Free
- Live & Local Artist Session: Curtis Clear Sky and the Constellationz Thu, June 20 | 6-7pm | Civic Plaza | Free
- Live & Local Artist Session: Janelle of Jess Dance Thu, June 27 | 6-7pm | Lynn Valley Village plaza | Free
- Land Back Nights Presents Mattmac & Guests – Fortune Sound Club June 2
- Hotlach – The Birdhouse June 22
- Music Grants – First Peoples’ Cultural Council
Resources, Tools, Actions, and Learning for Non-Indigenous People
Make a donation to support Indian Residential School Survivors
Learn whose land you are on with the First Peoples Map of B.C.
