Celebrate National Aboriginal History Month at the Canadian Museum of History

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

For immediate release

Gatineau, Quebec, June 1, 2016 — Celebrate National Aboriginal History Month in June at the Canadian Museum of History. Storytelling, lectures, throat singing, dance workshops and an artifact hunt are just some of the ways visitors can deepen their knowledge of the traditions and present-day realities of peoples who have lived here for thousands of years.

The month begins with a fascinating look at the importance and preservation of the Algonquian language — Canada’s most prevalent Indigenous language group — in a special presentation by Anita Tenasco, Director of the Kitigan Zibi Education Sector, and Gilbert Whiteduck, community member. In mid-June, Métis architect Douglas Cardinal — who designed the Museum of History — shares his insights on architectural design and the new Canadian History Hall, slated to open July 1, 2017. Throughout the month, families are also invited to go on an artifact hunt through the First Peoples Hall, where they will discover artifacts with intriguing stories to tell.

And on Sunday, June 19, visitors won’t want to miss the all-day Awesome Storytelling event, featuring First Nations storytelling with Daniel Richer, Inuit throat singing from the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre and Sunsdrum and a Métis jig performance and workshop with Jaime Koebel and Prairie Fire — the group that performed at Prime Minister Trudeau’s swearing-in.

Living Language with Anita Tenasco and Gilbert Whiteduck
Thursday, June 2
6 p.m. French
7 p.m. English
Douglas Cardinal Salon
The event is free

In Conversation with Douglas Cardinal
(simultaneous translation)
Thursday, June 16
7 p.m.
Theatre
The event is free; please reserve in advance at the Museum Box Office, by calling 819-776-7000
or via email at information@historymuseum.ca.

Awesome Storytelling
Sunday, June 19
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Grand Hall and First Peoples Hall
Free with Museum admission

Artifact Hunt
Daily in June
First Peoples Hall
Free with Museum admission

National Aboriginal History Month is also a great time to explore the Museum’s exhibitions of Indigenous cultures. In the soaring Grand Hall, built to resemble the shape of a canoe, visitors will see the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles, as well as the stunning house fronts of the First Peoples of the Northwest Coast exhibition. Each house represents a different people and contains historical and modern objects, including wooden masks, decorated boxes, blankets and ornate headdresses.

The Grand Hall is also home to outstanding works of art, including The Spirit of Haida Gwaii by Haida artist Bill Reid, and — in the pond outside — the acclaimed sculpture ‘namaxsala (To Travel in a Boat Together) by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Mary Anne Barkhouse. At the far end of the Hall, visitors will marvel at the ceiling mural Morning Star by Alex Janvier, a masterwork illustrating the history of our land from the artist’s Dene Suline perspective.

Just around the corner from the Morning Star, the First Peoples Hall features more than 2,000 artifacts, offering a glimpse into the rich stories and cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples across Canada — from their arrival in Canada 15,000 years ago to the present day.

More information on all National Aboriginal History Month activities at the Canadian Museum of History is available at historymuseum.ca, or by calling 819-776-7000 or 1-800-555-5621.

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Media contacts:
Stéphanie Verner
Media Relations Officer
Telephone: 819-776-7169
Email: stephanie.verner@historymuseum.ca

Éliane Laberge
Social Media and Media Relations Officer
Telephone: 819-776-7097
Email: eliane.laberge@historymuseum.ca