National Indigenous History Month 2025: Reflecting on the past to build a collaborative future

Harmful content

We recognize that materials in government and religious archives can be painful, especially for Indigenous Peoples. Reading historical records that document genocide, assimilation and oppression—often in biased and hurtful language—can cause distress and harm to researchers.

For more information or to find support, see the notice about harmful content.

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour and celebrate the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. It also provides an opportunity to learn about the past and its lasting impact on generations of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation individuals, families and communities.

As we reflect on the past, it’s important to acknowledge the resilience and strength of Indigenous Peoples in the face of historical and ongoing challenges. Let’s take this time to educate ourselves, support Indigenous voices and participate in events that promote understanding, truth and reconciliation.

We invite you to discover resources and projects that highlight the diversity and richness of Indigenous cultures and languages.

Increasing access to Federal Indian Day Schools’ records

The Day Schools Project, led by Library and Archives Canada (LAC), is a multi-year effort to digitize, describe and make accessible nearly 5.7 million pages of records about the Federal Indian Day Schools system and its legacy.

The project has identified a range of records covering aspects of the Federal Indian Day Schools system and has provided enhanced file-level descriptions to make it easier for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation Survivors, family members and researchers to find relevant information.

We share the results on our recently launched Day Schools Project website, where you will also find a detailed research guide that provides general information about the records and walks you through the steps of how to search, read and order them.

Preserving Indigenous languages

The new resource guide of Indigenous language and culture recordings helps Indigenous communities and all users discover audiovisual material. This resource guide enhances access to and awareness of Indigenous language and culture materials.

Another great resource is Nations to Nations: Indigenous Voices at Library and Archives Canada, an interactive multimedia e-book featuring multilingual essays by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation members of the LAC team.

Research and resources

We are pleased to announce that two guides on Indian Residential School records are now available online:

Our team of Indigenous reference archivists can guide and support you through the process. You can book an appointment through our website.

Ādisōke: A shared space built on meaningful collaboration

Scheduled to open in 2026, Ādisōke is the new Ottawa Public Library and LAC joint facility. Built on unceded Anishinābe Algonquin territory, Ādisōke will serve as the main location for LAC’s public services as well as the Ottawa Public Library Central Branch.

From the outset, representatives from the Anishinābe Algonquin Nation have played a central role in shaping the vision, layout and design of Ādisōke. This meaningful collaboration is reflected throughout the facility, such as in the circular lodge designed as a contemporary rendition of a traditional wigwam, the integration of Indigenous art and literature, and safe spaces designed for smudging ceremonies.

Collaboration with the Anishinābe Algonquin host nation has been and continues to be at the heart of Ādisōke. This partnership will remain central as the project moves forward.

  • Stay informed on the construction progress with our monthly updates.
  • Discover the rooms and spaces that will be featured on each level of the facility through the storey-telling series.
  • Learn to say a few words in Anishinābemowin Algonquin language thanks to Anishinābe Algonquin Language Keeper Joan Tenasco’s pronunciation videos.

In the National Capital Region

On June 26, attend an inspiring evening with Phyllis Webstad, founder of Orange Shirt Day. A unique opportunity for reflection, learning, and dialogue on truth and reconciliation. This event will be presented in English only. Admission is free, but registration is required.

Reserve your spot!

Photographs, videos and blogs

Project Naming, a photo identification and community engagement initiative at LAC, invites members of the public to identify people, places and events in photographs held at LAC related to First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.

Thanks to our Collection search tool, you can find millions of photographs using simple keywords. Albums are also available on Flickr.

Our video collection includes over 90,000 files: short and feature films, documentaries and silent films, some dating back to 1897.

Browse through the LAC blog to discover articles related to Indigenous resources and collections preserved at LAC.

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