By: Nancy White

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The final week of the month, June 24 to 30 celebrates and recognizes women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. As a proud female First Nations person, I am thankful for the opportunity to share a small part of my story. As a blonde, blue eyed woman, it often surprises people that I am of First Nations heritage. I grew up in a small, west coast Newfoundland community, and am a member of the Qalipu Mi’Kmaq band (pronounced: holly-boo, meaning Caribou). 

I’ve developed a deep respect for people who are curious and value curiosity as a trait. Curiosity is the urge you feel to know more about something. If I could monetize the number of times I’ve heard… “you don’t look or sound like a Newfoundlander” or “there is no way you are First Nations”, I would have some serious cash. 

Growing up, my family instilled a profound respect for nature and the land. My grandfather was a commercial fisherman and owned a farm. The majority of what we consumed, was grown, cultivated or produced by my family. I didn’t know what McDonald’s was until I went to university. My sister and I still laugh over the increasing popularity of “organic” food. We ate organic, long before it was a trending thing.

My father was a civil servant and worked for the Federal Airport Authority, starting his career maintaining the machinery at airports (as a heavy equipment mechanic), then becoming a trades college teacher, and my mother was a nurse. They both loved adventure and decided to move up north when I was in grade 3.  I’ve lived in Cambridge Bay on Victoria Island in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut (in the Arctic Circle), Norman Wells, Fort Simpson and Fort Smith. I’ve experienced first hand the challenges and wonders of this beautiful part of the world.

Seeing the northern lights, the vast expanse of the tundra, polar bears, grizzly bears, or fly fishing on the majestic Nahanni River, snowmobiling and igloo making, heightens one’s awareness and recognition of a distinct culture and heritage. The folklore, traditions and beliefs are unique, and the land of the midnight sun is a breathtaking experience.

With pale skin, eyes, and hair, it was a stretch to pass as someone who shared the same heritage as the locals. However, though experience and time, you begin to realize, we are often more similar than different.  As National Indigenous History Month comes to a close, check out some inspirational stories of several Indigenous women.