National Indigenous History Month: Learning and Moving Forward Together

Photo: Thomas Camus, Burns Lake Festival 2025 (Spirit North)

National Indigenous History Month is a moment to celebrate Indigenous peoples, cultures and wisdom.  The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is grateful for the wisdom and perspectives generously shared by Indigenous partners, educators, and community members. Our journey toward deeper understanding is ongoing, and we remain committed to learning together in ways that honour Indigenous experiences, celebrate Indigenous joy, and amplify Indigenous voices.  

At the same time, we recognize that some parts of that history, particularly the experience of colonization, are difficult, with an enduring legacy. First Nations, Métis and Inuit continue to face discrimination and injustice in the education, health and justice systems. Meanwhile, 105 out of the 231 calls to justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are still pending. 

But there is headway, as history continues to unfold. In March 2025, Canada released its first Indigenous Justice Strategy, co-developed with First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners. The strategy addresses systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in contact with the justice system and supports the revitalization of Indigenous laws and legal orders.  

In the spirit of deepening awareness and respecting First Nations laws, legal traditions, and self-determination, the CRRF has partnered with the Globe and Mail to deliver an upcoming webinar: Finding Common Ground: Supporting First Nations-Led Policing. 

We are also pleased to support two upcoming events commemorating National Indigenous History Month from the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta and Cold Lake and District Family Community Support Services. 

Reconciliation takes both personal and collective growth. It means challenging assumptions, unlearning harmful narratives, and building respectful, lasting relationships. This month, we honour Indigenous history by uplifting Indigenous wisdom, resilience, and joy, addressing past omissions, and supporting a future rooted in truth, respect, and inclusion.