Honouring National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 3, 2025

June marks National Indigenous History Month—a time for reflection, learning, and meaningful action.

At CMHA Calgary, we honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy)—including the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations, which include the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations. We also recognize the Métis Nation of Alberta, represented locally by District 5 (Calgary Nose Hill Métis District) and District 6 (Calgary Elbow Métis District), within the Battle River Territory of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

These Nations are the traditional stewards of Mohkínstsis, the Blackfoot name for the place we now call Calgary, meaning “elbow”—a reference to the meeting point of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. We acknowledge their enduring connection to this land and reaffirm our commitment to walking alongside Indigenous communities on the path toward truth, reconciliation, and healing.

Supporting Indigenous Mental Health and Wellness

We acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonization, residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and systemic racism on Indigenous mental health. These harms continue to affect communities across what is now called Turtle Island and contribute to inequities in mental health outcomes and social determinants of health.

CMHA Calgary is committed to supporting Indigenous-led healing, culturally safe mental health care, and building reciprocal, respectful relationships grounded in Indigenous knowledge and leadership.

Ways to Learn, Reflect, and Engage

Whether you’re beginning your journey or deepening your understanding, here are meaningful ways to engage during National Indigenous History Month—and beyond:

Read, Watch, and Listen

• Explore books, films, podcasts, and music by Indigenous authors, artists, and storytellers.
• Follow Indigenous educators and community leaders on social media.
• Attend local storytelling events or cultural programming in your community.

Learn the Truth

• Use the Reconciliation: A Starting Point app to explore residential school history, the 94 Calls to Action, and Indigenous rights.
• Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to hear firsthand accounts from residential school survivors.
• Read the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Understand Where You Are

• Use Native Land Digital to learn whose traditional territory you live and work on.
• Practice meaningful land acknowledgments in your personal and professional spaces.

Amplify Indigenous Voices

• Throughout June, share and uplift Indigenous leaders, artists, and advocates using the hashtag #NIHM2025.

Indigenous Mental Health Supports

If you or someone you know needs support, the following Indigenous-led, culturally safe resources are available:

• Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.ca
• Talk4Healing (for Indigenous women): 1-855-554-HEAL (4325)
• Kids Help Phone Indigenous Support: Text FIRST NATIONS, INUIT, or METIS to 686868

Beyond a Month: A Lasting Commitment

National Indigenous History Month is not a conclusion—it is a reminder. Honouring Indigenous Peoples must be a year-round commitment to listening, learning, unlearning, and acting.

CMHA Calgary encourages all Calgarians to continue building respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples in Mohkínstsis and across Treaty 7 Territory, in pursuit of a more just, inclusive, and compassionate future for all.