Aboriginal Month is About Being Canadian

June is Aboriginal Awareness Month and every June Canadians are invited to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous people, along with their long and storied history in Canada, by taking part in events and festivities.

The visual medium is arguably the most effective way to communicate ideas in today's world and it was at a screening of Elder in the Making @ the ArtBOX on 17E that the videos you see below preceded the headline film. Made by aboriginal youth with the support of Antyx Community Arts, these, amongst several others, touch upon huge issues not just facing aboriginal youth, but Canadian society as a whole. Their concerns are about Canada, about Canadians and the future we will all share.

With Trudeau green-lighting the first phase of inquiry into missing, murdered indigenous women and the reversed attitude his government has shown toward indigenous people and indigenous issues compared to previous governments, there is, at least, a shift in perspective and an opportunity to make changes that will have an impact on our country. As celebrations continue throughout the month, let us work together to make the best future we can for all Canadians, from the first to walk these lands to the latest who arrive on our shores.