June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to shape Canada today. It is also a moment for reflection and to recognize the ongoing impacts of colonization and to reflect on how we can all contribute to reconciliation.

‍

Niagara Pen Centre is proud to host special events and workshops throughout June in celebration of National Indigenous History Month. View upcoming events at here.

‍

Throughout June, you can also visit Indigenous-owned brand Cheekbone Beauty at their pop-up shop near Coles, open every Thursday–Sunday.

For the month of June, Niagara Pen Centre will be displaying flags in recognition and celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. To view the history, meaning, and significance behind each flag, please see below.

‍

‍

The Two-Spirit flag is a symbol of pride and representation for Indigenous people who identify often outside of colonial gender roles and binaries. Two-Spirit is an umbrella term encompassing LGBTQIA+ identities within Indigenous communities, celebrating gender diversity, sexuality, and spirituality.

‍

The Haudenosaunee flag, or the Six Nations Confederacy flag, represents the unity and peace of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. It depicts the Hiawatha Wampum Belt, a symbol of the original Five Nations (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca) uniting under the Great Law of Peace, which was established on this land around the 13th century. The Tuscarora Nation joined the confederacy around 1722.

‍

The Anishinaabe Thunderbird is a powerful and spiritual animal in Anishinaabe tradition, believed to create thunder with the flapping of its wing and bring rain, which is seen as a nurturing and cleansing force. The thunderbird also serves as a protector.

‍

The Métis Flag symbolizes the joining of two cultures, European and First Nations, and the enduring spirit of the Métis people who area separate and distinct Indigenous people recognized under Canada’s Constitution Act, 1982. The Métis have their own traditions, culture and language.

‍

The inuksuk symbolizes the stone monuments that guide people and mark sacred places. The blue star, also known as the Niqirtsuituq, represents the North Star and the leadership of elders.

Many people confuse an inuksuk with an inunnguaq. Both are constructed from piles of stones; however, a structure that includes the shape of arms and legs forms an inunnguaq (in the form of a person).

‍

This represents the first recorded formal agreement (1610) between Indigenous peoples of this land and Europeans — specifically between the Haudenosaunee (Mohawk) and Dutch settlers. Wampum belts were made from combinations of purple and white clam shells carved into beads that formed a visual representation of the agreement. The Two Row Wampum belt’s purple rows represented the First People and newcomers coexisting in harmony, living alongside one another without interference.

‍

The Every Child Matters flag is flown on September 30 each year. It comes from the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school Survivor, who shared how everything important to her was taken away when she arrived at the residential school in Williams Lake, BC. The orange shirt became a symbol of all that was taken away from Indigenous children in residential schools. According to Phyllis, September 30 was chosen because it represents the time of year when Indigenous children were taken from their families and communities to attend residential schools.

‍

In 2018, Portland-based artist Daniel Quasar designed the Progress Pride Flag, incorporating the rainbow Pride flag with additional stripes representing the transgender community and marginalized communities of colour. In 2021, Valentino Vecchietti updated the design to include the yellow triangle and purple circle of the original Intersex Pride Flag.

The flag represents inclusion, visibility, diversity, and support for all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Its inclusion alongside Indigenous flags also recognizes and honours Two-Spirit people and the importance of creating spaces that celebrate identity, community, and belonging.