AMC Proudly Ushers in National Indigenous History Month
June 1, 2022
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
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Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is proud to mark the beginning of National Indigenous History Month.
In 2009, June was officially declared National Indigenous History Month in Canada following the passing of a unanimous motion in the House of Commons. Since then, First Nations have observed this month as a time of reflection as we honour our history, traditions, culture, resilience, and accomplishments.
Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean said, “This month, AMC invites First Nations citizens across all Treaty lands and traditional territories to celebrate our prosperous future and our rich, beautiful, and incredibly resilient history in the spirit of pride and preservation.”
While National Indigenous History Month celebrations include expressions of pride, unity, and self-determination, we cannot honour our Nations and citizens without recognizing Canada’s dark history, marred with racism and colonialism. Generations of assimilation, segregation, and racist policies saw our ancestors forcibly removed from their lands and separated from their practices, languages, and spirituality. The recent discovery of the undocumented and unmarked graves of First Nations children has been a painful reminder of the unspeakable genocide that has occurred and is ongoing in the name of colonialism.
In celebrating this month, we remember that the painful past provides an opportunity for Canadians to work toward Reconciliation and a positive path forward. While there is much work to be done across our lands and territories, we acknowledge the steps that have been taken to right the many wrongs of the past.
“On National Indigenous History Month, AMC would like to remind non-Indigenous Canadians to continue taking a stand against colonial violence,” said Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean. “We ask that Canada, and its leaders recommit to working towards Reconciliation so that together we may build a bright and prosperous future for First Nations people.”