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Welcome to Field Notes, a series from the Reconciliation & Inclusion team, offering curated resources to support deeper learning and inclusive practices across Seneca. Each issue features a bespoke collection of resources — such as books, TV shows and events — that the team has personally engaged with, reflected on and found meaningful in our own learning.
National Indigenous Peoples Day, on Saturday, June 21, is a time to honour the histories, resilience and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. It coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, which has been celebrated by Indigenous cultures for generations.
Read
I want to explore Indigenous identity, queerness and belonging.
A Minor Chorus by Billy Ray Belcourt
A Queer Indigenous academic returns to his northern Alberta community and confronts questions of belonging, intimacy and identity amid the ongoing impacts of colonialism.
I'm a curious learner and policy enthusiast
Talk Treaty to Me by Crystal Gail-Fraser and Sara Komarnisky
A clear and accessible introduction to treaties, their ongoing significance and their role in shaping relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
I'd like an Indigenous worldbuilding fantasy/mythology
The Door on the Sea by Caskey Russel
A young Tlingit storyteller sets out on an epic quest across a world of ravens, giants and shapeshifters to help save his people from a growing threat.
Give me an understanding of Métis identity and belonging.
Wild People Quiet by Tara Gereaux
A Metis woman who has spent years passing as white sees her carefully constructed life unravel when her brother reappears, forcing her to confront family, identity and the cost of belonging.
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Here’s What Canada Doesn’t Understand About Indigenous Justice by Suzanne Patles examining how Indigenous understandings of justice can challenge and expand mainstream conversations about accountability and healing.
Who It’s For: Think-pieces, news readers and justice seekers.
House of Commons Passes Bill Criminalizing Forced Sterilization explains legislation aimed at addressing forced and coerced sterilization in Canada and its significance for reproductive justice.
Who It’s For: Policy watchers and human-rights readers.
Watch
I'm a murder mystery fan looking for something a bit different
Dark Winds
Set in the American Southwest, this crime series follows Navajo Tribal Police officers as they investigate a series of interconnected mysteries as their reservation is plagued by a series of increasingly violent crimes.
For asking 'why didn't I know this?' after I watch
Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising
A documentary exploring the 1974 standoff in Anicinabe Park, Kenora, often known as Canada’s Wounded Knee. It highlights Indigenous activism and self-determination.
I want a story on family struggles and finding yourself
Wildhood
A Mi’kmaw teen who lives with his toxic father and younger half-brother sets out on a road trip through Atlantic Canada in search of his mother, finding connection and belonging along the way.
Listen
Urban Native Collective is a podcast network featuring conversations on Indigenous culture, current events, community, storytelling and lived experience.
Who It’s For: Listeners who like open-minded learning.
NDN Roadtrip Playlist is a road-trip-ready playlist featuring Indigenous artists from across Turtle Island, blending rock, folk, country and pop into a soundtrack for the open road.
Who It’s For: Those looking for a new Canada Day weekend playlist.
Local
Birch Bark Coffee is an Indigenous-owned coffee company roasting in Ottawa, known for great coffee and a commitment to supporting Indigenous initiatives.
Who It’s For: Coffee aficionados and ethical shoppers
Native Renaissance in Deseronto, ON offers a large selection of moccasins, jewellery, candles, art and gifts! You can also visit their Art Gallery to enjoy amazing artists from all over Turtle Island.
Who It's For: Those wanting to support an Indigenous owned business and make a day trip out of it.
Other Recommendations
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Month at the Indigenous Arts Festival on June 20th at Biidaasige Park, featuring traditional and contemporary music, dance, artisan and culinary experiences of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Turtle Island.
Who It’s For: Art lovers and culture seekers.
Indigenous Reconciliation app is a starting point for learning historical events and examples of reconciliation.
Who It's For: Interactive learners
Maamwi is a free online learning hub created by Ontario college libraries featuring resources on Indigenous histories, cultures and current worldviews.
Who It’s For: Those looking for a bookmark to reliable sources.
Join Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members on June 21st for a Sunrise Ceremony and Sacred Fire to welcome the day with gratitude, reflection and teachings
Who It’s For: Culture appreciators who want a moment of gratitude and reflection.
Check out Indigenous Heritage Night at the Toronto Tempos vs. Los Angeles Sparks game on June 25th. Seneca's Elder Blu Waters will be opening with her daughter in a traditional dance, uplifting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures.
Who It's For: Fans who want to bring cultural connection into their night out.
Understand land acknowledgements, treaties and Indigenous relationships to the land with Whose Land app.
Who It's For: Those trying to understand treaty obligations and the importance of land acknowledgements.
While you're here, check out the Indigenous Studies guide published by Seneca Libraries for more resources.
The Reconciliation & Inclusion team knows the best learning happens in conversation. Let us know if you explore any of the resources above, or if there’s something you’d recommend we include in future editions. Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments, or email us at ri@senecapolytechnic.ca.
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