Learn, honour, and celebrate National Indigenous History Month with Ottawa Public Library

Mon, 06/03/2024 - 14:57

OTTAWA — Ottawa Public Library (OPL) invites Ottawans of all ages to take advantage of the Library’s many resources, reading recommendations, programs, and other offerings during National Indigenous History Month in June. This month, we honor the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada through a series of programs designed for adults, teens, children, and families. We also highlight the growing number of resources at OPL, throughout the year, to help everyone learn about, appreciate, and acknowledge the contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in shaping Canada.

National Indigenous History Month is a great opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. OPL is full of resources and opportunities for all to learn more about Indigenous stories, traditions, and history.

Some of the upcoming highlights in June include:

National Arts Centre (NAC) Book Club with Joshua Whitehead: All are invited to enjoy a conversation about the non-fiction book of essays, Making Love with the Land, by award-winning author of Johnny Appleseed and other works -- on June 11 at 7 pm. Joshua Whitehead (he/him) is a two-spirit, Oji-nêhiyaw member of Peguis First Nation (Treaty 1), a published poet and a University of Calgary Assistant professor. This event is offered in partnership with the NAC and is appropriate for adults and teens. In-person spaces are limited but the discussion will also be livestreamed.
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival: Celebrate the Summer Solstice from June 21 to 23 at Madahoki Farm where OPL will have its mini-Bookmobile filled with a selection of books and resources ready for browsing or borrowing. Library staff will be able to sign festival-goers up for Library cards, if needed, as well as introduce visitors to collections and resources on Indigenous history, stories, and voices.
Lunch Hour Concert with Mali Obomsawin: Enjoy a special virtual lunchtime concert on June 25 at 11:30 am with Indigenous musician Mali Obomsawin. Mali Obomsawin is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist and a citizen of Odanak First Nation (W8banaki). She is a bassist, composer, and vocalist whose work spans from jazz and roots music to film scoring, teaching, and indie-shoegaze.
Spirit Horse Stories with Rhonda Snow: Engage in storytelling sessions on June 6 (Greenboro branch) and June 20 (North Gloucester branch) featuring Rhonda Snow's artwork and tales.
Interactive Workshops: Explore Indigenous music, hear and learn more about Indigenous languages, create and craft traditional corn husk dolls, get active with other seniors at a pow wow workout, or catch a film screening at an OPL branch. Program details are available on the OPL website.

During June, join OPL for weekly Storytimes by and about Indigenous people in both English and French. Visit the OPL website for more information about OPL’s National Indigenous History Month offerings.

Explore the Indigenous Page on the OPL website to learn many other OPL resources:

Updated booklists of the latest titles in OPL’s catalogue by and about Indigenous people in English and French for adults, teens, and children;
Indigenous titles available on the OverDrive and CloudLibrary online digital collections;

Digital Book Club Picks for June recommended by Library staff;
Recent recorded programs on Indigenous people and themes are available on OPL’s YouTube channel.