June is National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month: Help Georgian celebrate

There’s a lot to acknowledge and celebrate in June!

As we enter June, it’s a time to come together in community to celebrate, introspect, and advocate.

June marks National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month , two significant occasions that hold deep meaning for Georgian College and our communities.

National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity to recognize and honour the rich heritage, cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. It’s a time to deepen our understanding of Indigenous history, acknowledge the ongoing struggles for justice and reconciliation, and amplify Indigenous voices and perspectives in our collective narrative.

Pride Month is a time to honour the diverse identities and experiences within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, celebrate progress made in the fight for equality, and recommit ourselves to fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusion for all. It’s a reminder that every individual deserves to live authentically and proudly, free from discrimination and prejudice.

As we participate in the various events and activities planned for June, let’s come together in solidarity, empathy, and respect.

Below you’ll find many activities going on in each of our campus communities. 

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History of National Indigenous History Month in Canada

National Indigenous History Month was federally established in 2009 and received its current name in 2017 following concerns about the use of the term “Aboriginal.”  The updated name more accurately reflects and honours the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people who have historically stewarded, and continue to steward, this land. 
 
For individuals of Indigenous ancestry, this month fosters community connection through pride, celebration and cultural renewal. With the first day of summer falling in June, many take time to honour the teachings of the season and embrace the abundance offered by the land.  

For non-Indigenous individuals, National Indigenous History Month offers an opportunity to build meaningful relationships grounded in understanding and reciprocity. It’s a time to deepen historical knowledge and nurture pathways toward reconciliation. It calls for respectful engagement, including reflection on what it means to be a visitor on another Nation’s territory. It’s also a time for critical self-reflection to better understand the systemic barriers that continue to affect Indigenous communities. Most importantly, it’s a time to approach learning with curiosity, embracing both learning and unlearning. 
 

Some pathways towards meaningful engagement include, but are not limited to: 

  • Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, artists, and businesses. 
  • Engaging in self-directed learning. 
  • Reflecting on personal biases and assumptions. 
  • Practicing reciprocity; offering time, support or resources. 
  • Intentionally including works by Indigenous authors in your personal and professional reading. 

Please remember that when you engage in Indigenous cultural activities, there are protocols in place, and these protocols vary depending on the territory you’re visiting. Following them ensures participation is respectful and culturally appropriate. It’s important to attend with an open mind, free from substances, and to ask questions respectfully if you’re unsure how to engage. Most events are guided by a cultural lead or supported by volunteers who welcome questions, provided they are asked with care and consideration.  

Importance of Indigenous history and presence 

Indigenous communities across Turtle Island (North America) have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Until recently, Indigenous history, Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples, and the contemporary realities, faced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities were largely excluded from Canadian education and mainstream narratives. This omission created a significant gap in awareness among non-Indigenous Canadians, newcomers, and visitors. It has also contributed to the erasure of Indigenous perspectives, experiences, and knowledge systems within Canada. 

Despite Canada’s assimilation policies and the ongoing legacy of colonization, Indigenous communities across Turtle Island continue to revitalize, celebrate, and honour their histories, traditions, and cultures. Throughout Indigenous History Month and on Indigenous Peoples Day, many communities host Pow Wows, ceremonies, and other cultural gatherings to dance, feast, sing, share teachings, and strengthen cultural ties.  

Being intentional about learning from, and building relationships with, Indigenous Peoples is essential to bridging this gap and ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are meaningfully integrated into our collective understanding of our history and the future. This month, as with every month, we invite you to be purposeful in learning about the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. 

What does 2SLGBTQIA+ stand for?

2SLGBTQIA+ stands for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, additional sexual orientations and gender identities.  

History of Pride in Canada 

Pride began as a protest, even here in Canada. Many people are familiar with the famous 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York, which marked a significant turning point in the fight for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in America.  

Not as many people know that Canada has its own Stonewall: On Feb. 5, 1981, police officers enacted what was known as “Operation Soap”. More than 150 officers raided four gay bathhouses in Toronto’s Village, arresting 286 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians; it was the second largest mass arrest in Canadian history.  

Massive protests took place in the weeks that followed and on March 6, 1981, Toronto held what it now considered to be its first Pride event (even famed Canadian author Margaret Atwood attended and spoke out against the persecution of 2SLGBTQIA+ people).  

Although significant progress has been made in the fight for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, it’s important to know that many 2SLGBTQIA+ people – both in Canada and around the world – continue to face significant levels of discrimination, abuse, and even violence.  

Pride advocates for the continued advancement of human rights and inclusion of all 2SLGBTQIA+ people and commemorates those who have been lost to violence, prejudice and stigma.

Activities at Georgian

The Pride Progress Flag will be raised at all campuses, along with additional flags representing different groups of Indigenous Peoples.

Some campuses will hold a flag-raising ceremony and host other activities. Don’t forget to take a stroll across the colourful rainbow crosswalks at all our campuses!

Here are some campus-specific events all are welcome to attend. Times noted are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Progress Pride flag

Barrie Campus

  • National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month flag raising, Wednesday, June 3 at 9 a.m. at the Georgian Cenotaph. Rain location is the Georgian College Students’ Association Lounge in C building, first floor.  Barrie’s flag raising will be a joint flag raising. Indigenous Services will be honouring the history of the Anishinaabe First Nations with this year’s Barrie flag raising. 
  • Pride march: Wednesday, June 3 following the flag raising ceremony at the Barrie Campus.
    • In collaboration with the Pride Employee Resource Group and the Georgian College Students’ Association Barrie, the march will include music, chalk sidewalk messages, bubbles, and refreshments as the community comes together in celebration and solidarity. Tuesday, June 3 from 11 a.m. to noon in the TLC
  • Following the march, the Georgian College Students’ Association, in collaboration with EDIB, will host a drag performance featuring Gender Slay Quoi, a genderless drag artist from Collingwood, professional dancer, dance teacher, and performer. The event will include hosted programming and live lip sync performances celebrating creativity, self-expression, and community.
  • Pride Book Club: A History of My Brief Body by Billy-Ray Belcourt: Thursdays in June from 11 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Georgian’s Centre for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, the book club will create space to explore themes of identity, belonging, love, and Indigenous queer experience through Belcourt’s work. Community members interested in meaningful conversation and connection are invited to join the Pride Book Club. Connect with christi.Storfa@georgiancollege.ca if you’d like to attend.
  • Film screening, Parade: Queer Acts of Love and Resistance: June 17, H106. Join us for a screening of the documentary as we reflect on the history, resilience, and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The event will offer an opportunity to come together in community, conversation, and reflection. Popcorn will be provided. 

Georgian’s Centre for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging and Indigenous Services are working together to recognize National Indigenous History Month and Pride at the Barrie Campus. It’s important to acknowledge the unique histories and stories of each initiative, as well as the intersecting identities involved. 

Midland Campus:

  • Raising of the Pride Progress Flag: Thursday, June 4 at noon.
  • Raising of the The Métis Flag: Monday, June 15. 

Muskoka Campus:

  • Raising of Pride Progress Flag: Wednesday, June 3 at 9 a.m. at the flagpoles.

Orangeville Campus

  • Raising of the Pride Progress Flag: Wednesday, June 3 at 8:30 a.m. at the flagpoles. 
  • Raising of the Haudenosaunee Flag: Monday, June 15. 

Owen Sound Campus

  • Raising of the Pride Progress Flag: Wednesday, June 3 at 8:30 a.m. at the flagpoles.
  • Raising of the Huron-Wendat Flag: Monday, June 15. 
  • Pride Tabling: Swag, nnacks, and RuPaul’s Drag Race Monday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria. Community members are invited to stop by for Pride-themed swag, snacks, and an opportunity to gather and connect while watching RuPaul’s Drag Race.
  • Tie dye bucket hats and tote bags: Wednesday, June 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the front entrance, weather permitting. Join the Owen Sound campus community for a creative Pride activity where participants can design and customize their own bucket hats and tote bags.

South Georgian Bay Campus:  

  • Pride Progress Flag: Wednesday, June 3 at the flagpoles 
  • Raising of the Nunavut Flag: Monday, June 15. 
A group of people in Georgian-branded and Pride-themed clothing gathered together with a #GeorgianProud banner at the Barrie Pride Parade on June 3, 2023

Community events

This list isn’t exhaustive; we encourage you to look for other activities happening in your community: 

  • 2-Spirit Pow Wow: Saturday, June 6 at Milliken District Park in Toronto. Additional details, including Pow Wow timing, will be shared by organizer closer to the event. Community members are encouraged to visit the 2-Spirited People of the First Nations’ website for updates and additional event information. 
  • Orillia Pride March: Saturday, June 13 at 1 p.m., starting at the Orillia Public Library courtyard.   
    • Community members are invited to join the fourth annual Pride March through downtown Orillia in celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and belonging. Following the march, attendees are welcome to gather at the Biindigen Pavilion in Terry Fox Circle for continued celebration featuring vendors and live performances. 
  • Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre’s 22nd Annual Traditional Pow Wow: Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20 at Saint-Marie Park (Hwy 12, Wye Valley Road), Midland. 
    • We acknowledge the diversity of Indigenous Peoples and the differences of cultural protocol if you’re attending these events. Here are some resources to learn more: Pow Wow visitor’s guide, and Pow Wow etiquette. 
  • Barrie Pride Weekend: Saturday, June 20 from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 21 from noon to 6 p.m. at Meridian Place in downtown Barrie.  
    • Community members are invited to take part in a weekend of celebration, connection, and Pride featuring a parade and march, live music, drag performances, vendors, and an afterparty. Additional details, including parade and march timing, will be shared by organizers closer to the event. Community members are encouraged to visit the Barrie Pride website for updates and additional event information. 
  • Celebrate your Awesome in Orangeville: Saturday, June 20 from noon to 8 p.m. in Alexandra Park on Second Street.  
  • Collingwood Pride Festival: Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12 in Collingwood. 
    • The festival is a vibrant celebration of community, diversity, and belonging, bringing together 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, allies, families, and friends for a weekend filled with celebration, education, and connection. Community members can look forward to a variety of activities and events recognizing the strength, vibrancy, and diversity of the community 
  • Muskoka Pride Parade: Sunday, July 26 at 12:30 p.m. on Manitoba Street, Bracebridge. 

Community resources and support 

Here are a few resources; this list isn’t exhaustive.  

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Learning opportunities and allyship

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This article was originally published in May 2023. It was updated and re-shared in May 2026.

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