June may be Pride Month, but a local society is reminding the public its also National Indigenous History Month.

琉璃神社 Pride Society said in a statement they want people to think about and honour the history, heritage and diversity of Canada鈥檚 First Nations, Inuit, and M茅tis not just this month, but after as well.

鈥淭he recent tragic discovery of the remains of 215 children at the site of former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the territory of the Tk鈥檈ml煤ps te Secwepemc has captured the attention of communities far and wide and brings this year鈥檚 National Indigenous History Month into even sharper focus,鈥� the group said.

The society added that members want to continue 鈥渇ostering a community that is inclusive, equitable and kind as possible鈥�, which extends to supporting Indigenous residents in the area.

鈥淲e hope you鈥檒l join us in participating in National Indigenous History Month鈥� whether that鈥檚 takin the time to support an Indigenous artist, engaging with local Indigenous history, starting to learn an Indigenous language, making a purchase from an Indigenous-owned business, donating to an appropriate cause or doing something else that honours and celebrates Indigenous folks and culture.鈥�

For those who may have been impacted by residential schools and the recent news of the Kamloops site, you can call the Indian Residential School Survivors Society鈥檚 crisis line at 1-866-925-4419.

READ MORE: Gathering in Salmon Arm honours 鈥榯iny ancestors鈥� at Kamloops residential school site

twila.amato@blackpress.ca
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