National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to recognize and honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada.

At Durham College (DC), we recognize the vital role of Indigeneity in education. We are preparing students to become leaders and active contributors to our community, and embracing our responsibility to advance decolonization and promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all we do. This shared commitment must be embedded throughout our institution.

We are dedicated to reconciliation and to building respectful, reciprocal relationships that support Indigenous learners and enrich our community. This is underscored by our Indigenization Statement and reinforced through our new Strategic Vision, which affirms our intention to expand Indigenous-led programs and initiatives to support students and employees in upholding Indigenous rights and advancing reconciliation.

We are taking meaningful steps by incorporating Indigenous perspectives into our programs and services, hosting culturally respectful events, offering professional development opportunities, and seeking new ways to honour Indigenous knowledge and education.

Throughout June, we encourage all members of the DC community to get involved and explore a variety of resources and opportunities to support learning and action toward reconciliation:

• Attend one of the upcoming Reconciliation Reels film screenings hosted by the First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC). More details, including dates and times, will be shared soon.
• Explore the Indigenous Library Resources from the DC Library.
• Participate in the Indigenous Histories and Reconciliation learning modules available online.
• Reflect at the Naanaagide’endamowin Courtyard and the Weeping Willow Tree at the Oshawa campus, which commemorates Indigenous children lost to residential, day, and industrial schools.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey. Guided by FPIC and the Indigenous Advisory Circle, DC remains committed to Indigenization and to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive space for Indigenous peoples and all members of our community as we work together toward a more inclusive future.