June is National Indigenous History Month, and marks a milestone in Mi'kma'ki
The month of June in Canada has been officially acknowledged as National Indigenous History Month since 2009, in recognition of the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.
In Mi’kma’ki, this June marks a major milestone: the 300th anniversary of the signing of the 1726 Peace and Friendship Treaty.
On June 4, 1726, Mi'kmaw representatives ratified the first and foundational treaty in what became the Covenant Chain of Peace and Friendship Treaties—a Nation-to-Nation agreement between the Wabanaki Confederacy (the Mi'kmaq, the Wolastoqiyik, Peskotomuhkati, and Penobscot) and the British. It was the first treaty any of these nations had entered with a European nation.
Built on peaceful co-existence, reciprocal responsibilities, and mutual respect—and without any cession of Mi'kmaw lands—the Peace and Friendship Treaties remain valid today and continue to shape relationships in this country.
This anniversary belongs to all of us—Mi'kmaq and non-Indigenous Epekwitnewaq (Islanders) alike. Learn more about the 300th anniversary at lnuey.ca/300years
UPEI Elder-in-Residence Dr. Judy Clark adds, “In Mi’kma’ki, we, the Mi'kmaq, along with the Federal Government are celebrating the 300th Anniversary of the signing of the "Peace and Friendship Treaty" on June 4 at the Parks Canada Port-Royal National Historic Site in Port Royal, NS.”
“It will be a day of gathering, reflection, and celebration to honour the living treaties and bringing together the Mi’kmaq leadership, Elders, youth, and community.”
Later in the month, June 21—the summer solstice—is designated as National Indigenous Peoples Day, “a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples…For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.” (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada).
Visit UPEI’s Teaching and Learning Centre web pages for Indigenous Teaching Resources.
UPEI’s Robertson Library has developed an Indigenous Resources Guide that includes articles, books, documents, websites, and other resources related to research about Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Also, you can learn about our Elders and scholars at UPEI on the upei.ca website or access resources about Mi’kmaq culture, traditions, and language on the L’nuey website.
The Government of Canada's Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada website has additional resources which explore the history, languages, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
