This post was originally published in June 2022 and has been updated with new resources for 2024.
Every year, throughout the month of June, Canadians take the time to acknowledge and recognize the rich heritage, history, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada. It provides an opportunity for our members to learn and take the time to reflect on their individual roles in reconciliation. We have gathered a list of meaningful resources for members to do during June:
- Attend a local event on National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. A quick Google search will bring up the events happening near you.
- Participate in the AME Indigenous Awareness Training Program and learn more about the Indigenous history in BC, how that history affects individuals and communities, and what actions non-Indigenous individuals and businesses can take to support reconciliation.
- Use AME’s Early Engagement Planning Tool sponsored by Teck Resources. You can also read the AME Indigenous Engagement Guidebook, sponsored by Dorado Drilling.
- Seek out Indigenous stories, such as the story of documentary-maker Steven Stark, a Tsawwassen First Nation man who overcame adversity to become a cultural ambassador and business leader in his community.
- Support Indigenous owned businesses including vendors at the Indigenous Marketplace at AME Roundup 2025.
- Read Jody Wilson-Raybould’s True Reconciliation: How to Be a Force for Change.
- Download Indigenous learning resources, such as the Reconciliation: A Starting Point mobile app, a reference tool developed by the Government of Canada for learning about First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, including key historical events and examples of reconciliation initiatives.
- Seek out peer-reviewed research into Indigenous topics, such as the work of Sheryl Lightfoot on The Conversation.
- Celebrate Indigenous athletes. Check out Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame’s Indigenous Sport Heroes Education Experience.
- Avoid perfunctory, “cookie cutter” land acknowledgements: dig deeper and add an action you can take.
- Read the National Bestseller “21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act” by Bob Joseph, President of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. and hereditary chief of the Gayaxala clan. Be sure to check out our Q&A with Bob Joseph.
- Read ‘Weaving Two Worlds’ by Christy Smith and Michael McPhie, published in March 2022, which provides tools for navigating your role in reconciliation. Be sure to check out our recent interview with Christy.
- Listen to “This Place”, a CBC podcast that was adapted from a popular comic book. Hosted by Rosanna Deerchild, the series explores 150 years of Indigenous resistance and resilience.
- Support the The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. The charity aims to shine a light on Indigenous reconciliation and the history of residential schools in Canada. For a complete list of charities serving Indigenous Peoples culture, health and wellbeing in BC and across Canada, go to Canada Helps.
- Visit a Cultural Centre or Heritage Site in BC to explore the preservation of Indigenous culture from an Indigenous perspective. Cultural Centres in BC include the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, the Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos and the Tuckkwiowhum Village in Boston Bar. Learn more.
- Familiarize yourself with the Moose Hide campaign – an Indigenous-led grassroots movement of men, boys and all Canadians standing up to end violence against women and children.
We do hope this list of ideas has served as some great inspiration on ways to make June a little more meaningful and allows you to listen, learn and reflect.
For more information on what AME is doing, check out our Indigenous Relations page.
