Celebrating PRIDE and National Indigenous History Month

 

As we enter the month of June, we’re invited into a time of meaningful reflection—through both National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month. In a community like ours, where learning is rooted in truth, inclusion, and social justice, this month offers us the opportunity to pause and consider what we’ve been learning together throughout the year—and how these commemorative moments deepen that journey.

Across our classrooms, conversations, and community spaces, we’ve explored the histories, contributions, and lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples and the 2SLGBTQ+community. This month encourages us not only to honour those stories, but to also recognize the powerful connections between these two communities and movements.

Pride is about visibility, celebration, and resistance. It began—and continues—as a movement for rights, dignity, and safety for those who have been pushed to the margins. National Indigenous History Month invites us to learn about the thousands of years of Indigenous presence on this land, the richness of Indigenous cultures and knowledge systems, and the ongoing impacts of colonialism. And within both movements, we recognize the voices and leadership of Two-Spirit people—whose identities, roles, and teachings hold unique significance and strength.

This is not just a time to celebrate, but also a time to deepen our understanding and strengthen our commitment to equity and belonging. For all of us—whether student, staff, or faculty—this month is an opportunity to reflect on how our learning connects to the world around us, how history shapes our present, and how we can continue building a more inclusive and compassionate school community.

Let’s carry forward the conversations we’ve started, the stories we’ve shared, and the learning we’ve embraced—not just in June, but throughout the year.

We encourage students to explore local events and take part in those that align with their interests or reflect causes they care about within the community.


Here are some ways to engage meaningfully in reflection, learning, and community:

Upcoming Events (Victoria, BC)

  • Tâpwewin Symposium – Confronting Indigenous-Specific Racism in the Academy
    June 11–13, 2025 | Hosted in Victoria & online
    A powerful multi-day symposium for educators, students, and allies. Learn More
  • National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration – Royal Roads University
    Friday, June 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
    Cultural performances, food, music, learning booths and family-friendly activities. Event Details

Critical Thinking in Practice

  • Listen to “Land Back” Podcast Series
    Land Back uncovers land theft in Canada and looks at how Indigenous people are reclaiming their territories, identities and lives. Podcast Site
  • Listen to the “All My Relations” Podcast
    A thoughtful series hosted by Indigenous scholars exploring identity, spirituality, land, and kinship. Podcast Site

Learn & Reflect

  • Visit UVic Indigenous Alums Reading List
    From poetry and drama to fiction and graphic novels, here are 12 titles from Indigenous alums to add to your reading list. Reading List
  • Visit Indigenous Canada – Free Online Course (University of Alberta)
    A highly regarded MOOC (massive open online course) that covers Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. Register Here


Pride Specific:

Exhibition: “Everything is Special”

  • Date: June 2, 2025 - January 11, 2026
  • Location: Legacy Maltwood Gallery, UVic
  • Details: Celebrate queer and trans+ creativity with this exhibition featuring artists’ books, zines, and archival materials from UVic’s Special Collections. Learn More

Notes of Pride

  • Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
  • Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Cridge Park (Belleville & Blanshard), Victoria
  • Details: Enjoy an evening of queer music and poetry featuring The Wild Drift, Élise LeBlanc, and Dex Neily. Bring a picnic and a blanket! Event Details

Additional Pride Resources

  • Chair in Transgender Studies at UVic: Offers events, social gatherings, and resources supporting trans+ communities. Learn More
  • Victoria Pride Society: Organizes year-round events and provides resources for the GSRD (Gender, Sexuality, and/or Relationship Diverse) community. Learn More