So what is National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada established to represent?
In cooperation with Indigenous Peoples’ national organizations, the Government of Canada designated June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day, a celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ culture and heritage. This date was chosen because it corresponds to the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and because for generations, many Indigenous Peoples’ groups have celebrated their culture and heritage at this time of year.[1]
#NIPDCanada
For Golden Brick Road Publishing House, as a proudly Indigenous owned company, it’s about honouring the Indigenous arts through Indigenous authors, and celebrating their accomplishments.
As an organization, we at GBR believe that we have a responsibility to nurture and empower leaders for social change, because empowered leaders inspire communities. When we honour and celebrate indigenous authors, we want to empower communities to start conversations about the history of this land. Not only can we learn, but we can grow and move forward by using our voices and put pen to paper. We encourage you, the reader, to continue the conversation of what it means to honour and celebrate Indigenous culture.
We don’t see ourselves as just a publishing house, but a platform to educate both writers and readers in positive social change. Sharing knowledge and skills within the GBR community creates a safe and inclusive learning space.
Although we don’t always feature our authors by their cultures, we are a publishing house that encourages cultural equality while embracing diversity.
In observance of Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st, and over the next month, we wanted to take this opportunity to honour and celebrate just a few of our indigenous authors:
Donna Tack, co-author of the upcoming book Unleashing Her Wild, set to publish fall 2019. Find out more about our programs here.
Ky-Lee Hanson: co-author of the award-winning book Dear Time, Are You On My Side?
Crystal Hardy, upcoming co-author for GBR in the book, Lighting The North, set to pre-release fall 2019. Find out more about our programs here.
These women are part of an important piece of our history, and as authors have the unique opportunity to shine a light on their stories and lessons. By continuing to share experiences and educate readers, we keep the light burning so that we remember not to go backwards, but keep moving forward while respecting the past.
To learn and celebrate in your town or city today, the Government of Canada has put together listing of celebrations and events nationwide that are happening on June 21, 2019. Search your area here.
[1] http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/event/national-indigenous-peoples-day-2019/
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--Written by Kiki Carr, GBR Lead Co-Author for She's No Longer Silent