Tonie Walsh*, Cree Plains Alberta, will be lighting the candle at the AIDS Vigil on June 23 rd for all Aboriginals who have passed away from HIV in 2014. She has had HIV for many years and says she has done more positive things since being diagnosed than at any other time in her life
National Aboriginal History Month is celebrated all across Canada every June. It was passed by a unanimous motion in the House of Commons in 2009 and provides an opportunity to recognize and honour the history, heritage, contributions, customs and cultures of Inuit, Métis and First Nation communities all across Canada.
Throughout the month, a number of special events are planned to celebrate Aboriginal Peoples and these events often include traditional teachings and activities, but they also focus on creating an inviting space for non-Aboriginal people to learn and participate. The focal point of the month is National Aboriginal Day, which occurs on June 21st. In Toronto there are many celebratory events and activities to choose from, including:
- Those offered through the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, the Toronto Public Library, and hosted by the City of Toronto
- The Na-Me-Res (Native Men’s Residence) traditional outdoor Pow Wow at Fort York
If you are organizing or aware of more great events in Toronto celebrating National Aboriginal History Month or National Aboriginal Day, let us know here. Follow @nelliesshelter on Twitter and look for our daily Tweets on #MMIW, #highwayoftears, #StolenSisters, #FirstNations, #Aboriginal, #IndigenousLivesMatter.
Nellie’s has always taken a strong stance supporting and advocating for Aboriginal women’s rights and speaking out against the violence they experience. Nellie’s is committed to bringing awareness to these issues, many of which are deeply rooted in Canadian society and structure through years of colonialism, racism and genocide of Aboriginal peoples.
Previous blogs from the Social Justice and Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression Committee have focused on: remembering murdered and missing aboriginal women, human rights and the treatment of Aboriginal women and girls, and the connection between Aboriginal women and the topic of our upcoming position paper: criminalized and incarcerated women.
Nellie’s also has an Aboriginal resource page with links to key organizations and services.
*Windsong Woman Who Carries the Medicine (Spirit Name)
