June 21, 2021

The Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) wholeheartedly acknowledges that the student union and Simon Fraser University (SFU) are located on the Unceded Traditional Territories of the Coast Salish People(s), including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ ̓ əm (Kwikwetlem) and q̓icə̓y̓(Katzie) Nations. Unceded means that these territories have never been handed over, sold or given up by these nations, and we are currently situated on occupied territories. Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw refers to Burnaby Mountain as Lhuḵw’lhuḵw’áyten, ‘where the bark gets peeled’ in spring.” The name is derived from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw word for arbutus, lhulhuḵw’ay, which comes from lhuḵw’ (peel), and means “always peeling”. 

The SFSS Executive Committee is celebrating National Indigenous People(s) Day! We want to recognize our Indigenous community members and take today to focus and celebrate the resilience and empowerment of Indigenous People(s). Indigenous People(s) Day has been celebrated since 1996, and is a day to recognize the various Indigenous cultures and customs across so-called canada. We encourage you to reflect and focus not just today, but to always recognize which territories you are currently situated on or what Indigenous communities you are closest to. We are living in a moment where we need to continuously work towards supporting and acknowledging our Indigenous People(s) on Turtle Island. The SFSS is committed to reconciliation efforts, as well as supporting Indigenous students who are currently at Simon Fraser University (SFU).  

We also want to acknowledge that June is also National Indigenous History Month and we will continue to support and amplify Indigenous voices in all capacities. Please take some time to reflect and support local Indigenous artists, writers, creators, musicians, beaders, dancers, and singers. We must be diligent about supporting Indigenous People(s) and always be ready to stand in solidarity, while we continue the work of reconciliation efforts. It is essential that as we improve our knowledge of the problematic history of so-called canada, but we must continue to educate ourselves and also focus on the positive aspects of Indigenous People(s) accomplishments, ways of empowerment, and resilience. 

To our Indigenous community members Happy Indigenous Day!

Here is a curated list of Indigenous creators and businesses:

Local Indigenous Owned Bookstores:
Massy Books
Iron Dog Books

Local Artists Social Media:
Rebekah, Nêhiyaw & Métis @beksbeads
Keianna, Okanagan Shushwap & Stl’atl’mx @keianna00beads
Zac, Michif @zacs_backpack
Aliya, Anishinaabekwe from Sagkeeng @arboubbeads
Rudy, Blackfoot @areyoudeewhy
Jared, Blackfoot @stankdaddy_

Wellness:
Skwalwen Botanicals
Sisters Sage
Cheekbone Beauty

Food:
Salmon n’ Bannock
Mr Bannock 
Spirit Bear Coffee Company 

Podcasts:
Well For Culture / Insta: @wellforculture
Coffee With My Ma 
The Red Nation Podcast
Unreserved
Metis In Space
Red Man Laughing 
All My Relations 

Indigenous Literature:
Johnny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead Oji-Cree, Peguis
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter by Daniel Heath Justice, Cherokee Nation
Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson, Haisla & Heiltsuk First Nations 
Son of a Trickster Trilogy by Eden Robinson, Haisla & Heiltsuk First Nations 
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Potawatomi Nation 
A Digital Bundle by Jennifer Wemigwans, Anishinaabekwe
The Red New Deal by The Red Nation
Indigenomics by Carol Anne Hilton, Nuu chah nulth, Hesquiaht
Sanaaq, Mitiarjuk Nappaaluk, Inuit 
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline, Metis
The Fourth World an Indian Reality by George Manuel, Shuswap