SE First Nations Inuit and Metis Program

Explore, learn, and stay connected with Indigenous health topics all year long through the SE Health First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program YouTube channel ()!

Missed one of our National Indigenous History Month webinars? Recordings are now available to watch on demand, featuring meaningful conversations, shared knowledge and perspectives from Indigenous leaders, healthcare professionals, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community collaborators.

Whether you're looking to continue your learning journey or revisit a session that inspired you, our YouTube channel offers accessible educational resources that support culturally safe care and Indigenous health and wellness!

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: https://www.youtube.com/

As we come to the end of June, we recognize that learning about Indigenous histories, cultures and achievements is only one part of the journey.

National Indigenous History Month invites us to reflect on how we show up as allies, through our actions, our relationships and our ongoing commitment to learning and respect. Allyship is not a one-time act, but an ongoing practice grounded in listening, humility and accountability. There are many meaningful ways to support Indigenous communities and contribute to reconciliation in our personal and professional lives. Allyship can take many forms including, but not limited to:

🌿Continuous Learning: Take time to learn from Indigenous voices including authors, artists, Knowledge Keepers and community leaders. Prioritize sources that are Indigenous-led and grounded in lived experience.

🌿Listening and Reflecting: Create space to listen to Indigenous perspectives without interruption or assumption. Reflect on what you learn and how it connects to your role, your work and your responsibilities throughout your life.

🌿Building Respectful Relationships: Engage with Indigenous communities in ways that are respectful, community-driven, and rooted in reciprocity. Recognize that trust and relationships take time.

🌿Amplifying Indigenous Voices: Share and uplift Indigenous-led initiatives, stories, businesses and organizations. Use your platform and voice to support Indigenous leadership and visibility.

🌿Supporting Indigenous-Led Organizations: Seek out and support organizations that are led by Indigenous communities, whether through participation, partnership, or learning opportunities.

To continue your learning beyond Indigenous History Month, here are a few resources to explore:

🌿 Engage with the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program’s learning opportunities, resources and initiatives. Access these free courses today:
• Indigenous Cultural Safety Course - https://fnim.sehc.com/professional-learning/indigenous-cultural-safety/
• Métis People and Health Course - https://fnim.sehc.com/indigenous-education-programs-and-services/metis-people-and-health-course/

🌿 Explore resources, Survivor stories, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action: https://nctr.ca/about/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada/

🌿 Learn about the traditional territories, languages and treaties connected to the land where you live, work and play: https://native-land.ca/

🌿 Follow Canada’s largest Indigenous newswire, event and business tender service: https://nationtalk.ca/

🌿 Read books such as ‘Ally is a Verb’ by Rose LeMay to understand how to be a better ally to your Indigenous colleagues, community members and friends: https://the-irg.ca/ally-is-a-verb/

Allyship is a lifelong learning journey. Each step we take, no matter how small, contributes to building more respectful relationships and advancing reconciliation in meaningful ways. As we move beyond this month, we invite you to carry this learning forward. Your continued curiosity, openness and commitment to allyship and reconciliation play an important role in shaping a more inclusive and culturally safe environment for all.

As we continue with recognizing National Indigenous History Month, it is essential that we recognize Indigenous achievements as an important part of reconciliation. For generations, Indigenous Peoples contributions have been overlooked or underrepresented. By uplifting these stories, we not only honour individual accomplishments, but also acknowledge the strength, leadership, creativity and innovation that continues to shape communities across Canada.

Below are a few individuals whose leadership and impact continue to inspire:

🌿 The Right Honourable Mary Simon: Mary Simon made history in 2021 as Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General. An Inuk leader from Nunavik, she has spent her career advancing Inuit rights, culture, and youth, and amplifying Indigenous voices on the global stage.Her leadership continues to build bridges and elevate Indigenous voices across Canada and globally.

🌿 The Honourable Murray Sinclair: Murray Sinclair, an Anishinaabe leader from Peguis First Nation, dedicated his life to truth, justice, and reconciliation. As Chief Commissioner of the TRC, he helped honour Survivors’ voices and guide Canada forward through the 94 Calls to Action. His legacy continues to guide Canada’s ongoing journey toward truth, healing, and reconciliation.

🌿 Christi Belcourt: Christi Belcourt is a celebrated Métis artist whose work reflects the beauty of the natural world and the strength of Indigenous cultures. She is a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship, cultural revitalization, and community connection. In 2014 Christi Belcourt co-founded the Onaman Collective, which aims to preserve traditional knowledge, language and teachings, while working to connect Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders with Indigenous youth, and engages in advocacy around water protection.

These individuals represent just a small number of the many Indigenous leaders, artists, knowledge keepers, and innovators whose contributions continue to shape communities across Canada.

Celebrating Indigenous achievements is not only about looking to the past. It is also about recognizing the ongoing leadership, creativity, and resilience present in Indigenous communities today.

Don’t forget to register for the FREE webinar series for National Indigenous History Month. The third webinar being held on June 29, 2026, at 12:00pm EST, will feature Labrador Inuk nurse, Hilary Fry, who will share her lived experience and understanding of Inuit health in Canada. Registration is required. https://fnim.sehc.com/event/indigenous-history-month-3-part-webinar-series-june-1-2026/

Today, we recognize and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day! ☀️

Observed each year on June 21st, the summer solstice, this day honours the rich cultures, languages, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.

For generations, this time of year has held deep cultural and spiritual significance - a time of renewal, connection and celebration within many Indigenous communities.

Today is a moment to celebrate the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, while also reflecting on our shared responsibility to listen, learn, and support meaningful reconciliation. It is an opportunity to uplift Indigenous voices, honour knowledge and teachings, and continue building respectful relationships rooted in understanding and partnership.

Let’s take time to celebrate, reflect and commit to walking forward together towards reconciliation.

Original artwork by artist Bada Jean https://www.badajean.com/