To the University of Saskatchewan community,

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour the histories, cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. On June 21, the summer solstice, communities across the country will gather to mark National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. It is a moment to celebrate the strength and diversity of Indigenous Peoples and to reflect on the responsibilities we share as a university on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis.

At USask, we are committed to moving forward together in a way that strengthens relationships, deepens understanding, and supports meaningful change. Truth and Reconciliation is not the work of a few. It is a shared journey that calls each of us to listen, learn, and act. Our community plays an essential role in this work, and I am grateful for the many students, staff, faculty, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Wise Ones, and partners who continue to guide and inspire us.

This month, the Indigenous History Month Spotlight page highlights stories, teachings, and learning opportunities from across campus. I encourage you to explore these resources, including those offered through the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement and the University Library’s Indigenous Studies Portal.

Events will be held on June 19, 20, and 21 to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day in and around Saskatoon. These include the Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation on June 19 at Victoria Park, followed by the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan free community BBQ. Wanuskewin will host its National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations on June 21. Remai Modern will also offer programming, including a community screening of Powwow People with Sky Hopinka on June 19 and a Métis Market on June 20. These gatherings reflect the strength of community and the importance of showing up for one another.

As a community at USask, let us continue to build a university rooted in respect, reciprocity, and relationships. Thank you for your continued commitment, care, learning, and intention as we move forward together.

Sincerely,

Vince Bruni-Bossio
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Saskatchewan

Events will be held on June 19, 20, and 21 to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day in and around Saskatoon. These events include:

Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation
Day: June 19, 2026
Location: Victoria Park, Saskatoon
Time: Walk begins at 10:30 AM
Walk ends in Victoria Park at the Reconciliation Circle (near Lions skate park) and events take place throughout the afternoon until 2:30 p.m.        

Métis Nation - Saskatchewan: Free Community BBQ
Day: June 19, 2026
Location: Victoria Park, Saskatoon
Time: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Wanuskewin National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations
Day: June 21, 2026 
Location: Wanuskewin
Time: 10 AM to 4 PM

Remai Modern: National Indigenous Peoples Day 

Community Screening: Powwow People (with Sky Hopinka)
Day: June 19, 2026 
Location: SaskTel Theatre, Remai Modern 
Time: 7 PM 

Métis Market 
Day: June 20, 2026 
Location: Remai Modern 
Time: 10 AM to 4 PM 

Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

At USask, the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement (OVPIE) works to uplift Indigenization by advancing initiatives and strategies that promote Indigenous Knowledges and support reconciliation and decolonization. USask’s Indigenous Strategy—ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan “Let’s Fly Up Together”—is the first Indigenous Strategy solely created by Indigenous people at a Canadian U15 research institution. In April 2024, the ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan report detailing the work taking place across campus and capturing where USask is in the process of stewarding the plan is now available on the OVPIE website.

To support USask's vision to be an outstanding institution of research, learning, knowledge-keeping, reconciliation, and inclusion with and by Indigenous peoples and communities the University Plan 2025 weaves USask’s commitment to Indigenization and reconciliation throughout its many goals. 

• Learn more

The USask University Library features a guide dedicated to National Indigenous History Month and highlights the resources offered at the library that focus on the accomplishments and experiences of the Indigenous community. In this guide, we invite you to read, watch, listen to, participate in, or actively learn about why this month is so important.

The research guide and library displays were created by staff at the Education & Music, Science, Health Sciences, Law and Murray libraries. 

• National Indigenous History Month research guide