“Writing, at least the kind I’m interested in reading and producing, proves that the present isn’t all there is. Maybe that is something like healing,” says Cree author Billy-Ray Belcourt. National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the connections between the present and the past, and how learning about Indigenous history can help us work together to create a better future.
Throughout what is now referred to as Canada, there are dozens of Indigenous cultures with diverse languages and ways of life that have made these lands their home for thousands of years. Each of these cultures has unique art forms, philosophies, stories, and relationships to the plants, animals, and territories that have been intertwined with their identities since time immemorial.
These nations have been resilient in the face of colonialist oppression ever since European forces arrived and attempted to steal their lands and suppress their cultures. Genocidal policies from Cornwallis’s “scalping proclamation” to residential schools and the Sixties Scoop have created intergenerational trauma that continues to have terrible effects on Indigenous communities today. Ongoing environmental destruction, lack of respect for Indigenous sovereignty, language loss, health disparities, and economic inequality reinforce the racism and violence Indigenous people experience within colonial systems.
Despite these hardships, Indigenous storytellers have played a crucial role in challenging colonialism and sustaining Indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions. Many societies have strong oral traditions, with stories being passed down verbally and in songs. History and tradition are also woven into blankets, carved into totem poles, or performed through dance. In recent times, some people have turned to photography and film to express themselves and challenge colonial narratives and stereotypes.
One of the most important ways Indigenous people have carried forward their cultural knowledge and stories is through writing. The Mohawk poet and performer E. Pauline Johnson, Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg poet Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Haisla and Heiltsuk novelist Eden Robinson, Dene scholar Glen Coulthard, Métis theorist Howard Adams, Tuscarora essayist Alicia Elliott, Nisga’a poet Jordan Abel, and Stó꞉lō author Lee Maracle are just some examples of Indigenous writers who have used the written word to share their cultural identities and stand up to oppressive colonial norms.
Ultimately, Indigenous History Month is a reminder to learn about Indigenous cultures, reflect on the idea of reconciliation, and recognize the importance of combating racism. Whether you are a settler or a member of an Indigenous community, this is just one opportunity to celebrate the rich traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures and appreciate their stories. By making space to listen and grow during this month, people will be better prepared to support the rights of Indigenous communities throughout the rest of the year, too. iPlume Writing is honoured to have worked with many amazing Indigenous organizations. If you’d like to partner with us on a project, please contact us here.