Willow River Centre celebrating both Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month
Posted June 5, 2024 7:49 am.
The month of June is celebrated across the country as, not only Pride Month but National Indigenous History Month.
Bangishimo, the co-director of the Willow River Centre, said June is a very busy month for them as they work to have a safe space for Indigenous people and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to come together.
“It was for so long that we could not come together, it was even illegal at one point for us to come together in groups as a people,” said Bangishimo. “For us to be under one roof, to sing, celebrate, dance, that is what connects us to our culture and our ancestors.”
They add while organizations and governments have recognized National Indigenous History Month, more needs to be done across the country.
“That begins with educating the young ones, with our youth, to eliminate that racism that is taught,” said Bangishimo. “But I’m really proud to see where people are going in this community that they do come out and support us, especially during a month like National Indigenous History Month.”
So far this month, the centre has helped raise the flag at the University of Waterloo and kicked off Pride at Uptown Waterloo Square with the city.
The House of Commons first recognized National Aboriginal History Month back in 2009. The name was changed to National Indigenous History Month in 2017.
National Indigenous Peoples Day falls on June 21 and multiple events will be hosted across the region. Some of the events include the Indigenous Poets Society hosting a Creators’ Corner, Market and Social at the Victoria Park Pavilion at 6:30 p.m., a celebration at Schneider Haus beginning at 11 a.m. and the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery hosting an opening ceremony of the Billy Gauthier: Sila exhibit from 7-10 p.m.
