National Indigenous History Month - Resource Guide
In honour of National Indigenous History Month (June 2026) and National Indigenous Day (June 21st), Siyam has compiled some resources for you to learn from. Below are new opportunities for you, your family, friends, and peers to watch, read, listen, subscribe, and celebrate while bringing the values of Step into the River into your daily life. We encourage you to engage with openness, respect, reciprocity, and a commitment to ongoing learning, relationship-building, and meaningful action toward economic reconciliation.
If you’re looking for influential Indigenous authors whose work is shaping conversations today, these writers offer powerful perspectives on history, identity, governance, reconciliation, culture, and Indigenous futures.
Non-Fiction and Indigenous Thought Leaders
Thomas King – Known for challenging colonial narratives with humor and insight. Essential reading includes The Inconvenient Indian.
Bob Joseph – Author of 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act and a leading voice on reconciliation and Indigenous relations.
Niigaan Sinclair – Writes on Indigenous rights, politics, and contemporary issues in Canada.
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson – One of the most important Indigenous thinkers today, writing on resurgence, land, governance, and Indigenous futures.
John Borrows – Essential for understanding Indigenous law, governance, and constitutional relationships in Canada.
Indigenous Women Writers and Knowledge Keepers
Robin Wall Kimmerer – Blends Indigenous knowledge and ecology in Braiding Sweetgrass, one of the most widely read Indigenous books globally.
Eden Robinson – Acclaimed for weaving Indigenous realities, humour, and spirituality into contemporary fiction.
Cherie Dimaline – Author of The Marrow Thieves, a widely taught Indigenous dystopian novel.
Tanya Talaga – Known for investigative works on Indigenous youth, justice, and systemic inequities.
Jessica Johns – Emerging voice whose work explores identity, healing, and Indigenous womanhood.
Indigenous Leadership, Governance, and Reconciliation
Arthur Manuel – His books on Indigenous rights, title, and economic justice remain foundational.
Taiaiake Alfred – A leading thinker on Indigenous nationhood, self-determination, and decolonization.
Lee Maracle – A pioneering Indigenous feminist and storyteller whose work continues to influence new generations.
Harold R. Johnson – Known for thoughtful reflections on reconciliation, justice, and Indigenous-Crown relations.
Indigenous Fiction and Storytelling
Richard Wagamese – One of Canada’s most beloved storytellers, known for Indian Horse and Medicine Walk.
Waubgeshig Rice – Author of acclaimed Indigenous speculative fiction including Moon of the Crusted Snow.
Tomson Highway – A celebrated storyteller whose work bridges Indigenous and Western literary traditions.
Together, these authors provide a strong foundation for understanding Indigenous rights, title, governance, cultural resurgence, reconciliation, and Indigenous-led futures.
Watch
Beans (2020)
Fancy Dance (2023)
Frybread Face and Me (2023)
Malni: Towards the Ocean, Towards the Shore (2020)
North of North (2025)
Prey (2022)
Bones of Crows movie (2022) and the 5-part series (2023)
Reservation Dogs (2021-2023)
Two Aunties and Reconciliation (2026) – available on Telus Optik TV on channels 707 & 126, or Telus Storyhive YouTube
Listen
Podcasts:
Coffee With My Ma | Kaniehtiio and Kahentinetha Horn | Apple Podcasts
Human Trauma and Climate Trauma As One | Sheila Watt-Cloutier | TEDxYYC
MEDIA INDIGENA | Rick Harp | Apple Podcasts
Our Native Land | Tchadas Leo | Apple Podcasts
Settle Down | Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Podcast | YouTube
CBC Land Back | Exposes land theft and Indigenous reclamation
Matriarch Movement | Celebrating Indigenous women, identity, leadership, and resilience
Telling Our Twisted | Histories Reclaiming Indigenous narratives, one word and story at a time.
Subscribe – News/ Art / Products
Tea With Starrlee | LinkedIn Newsletter
For additional resources, please visit our Resources for our FREE downloadable MUST Resources.
