Photo Credit: The First Peoples House at the University of Victoria. Pictured: Xwa Lack Tun’s (Rick Harry) carved doors to the Ceremonial Hall.

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize, learn about, and celebrate the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

As we recognize National Indigenous History Month and look ahead to National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, we invite you to reflect, learn and engage with the diverse histories, cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples.

At Continuing Studies, we acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples, whose territory the university stands, as well as the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. This acknowledgment aligns with UVic’s broader institutional commitment to truth, respect and reconciliation, as outlined in UVic’s Indigenous Plan.

A longstanding commitment to Indigenous learning

For over 30 years, Continuing Studies has collaborated with Indigenous organizations and communities to provide accessible, culturally relevant educational opportunities.

This includes our long-term partnership with the En’owkin Centre, an Indigenous post-secondary institution in Penticton, BC, as well as numerous partnerships with Indigenous organizations and communities across Turtle Island to deliver adult learning opportunities in Indigenous language revitalization and other community and professional programs.

Indigenous-focused programs and courses

Continuing Studies is committed to supporting the needs and perspectives of Indigenous learners and communities by offering accessible and culturally appropriate learning opportunities.

Currently, our offerings include:

• Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization
• Foundations in Indigenous Fine Arts
• Indigenous Approaches to Governance in Canada
• Indigenous Cultural Stewardship
• Indigenous Language Documentation
• Intellectual and Cultural Property Law

We also offer courses like Gathering Our Medicine Stories, led by renowned Tłı̨chǫ Dene author and storyteller Richard Van Camp. This fully online course invites students to explore Van Camp’s life’s work in reclaiming family and community medicine through storytelling. Registration is now open for the September 2025 offering.

Registration is also open for Responsibilities to Coastal Indigenous Peoples and Lands, which explores local Coast Salish protocols and highlights the relationships between land, water, and people, including what it means to be a good guest here. This course will run in January 2026.

Sign up for our e-news to stay informed about new and upcoming courses.

Supporting Indigenous learners: CILR Award

To further support Indigenous learners, Continuing Studies is proud to offer the Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization (CILR) Award, made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor.

Valued at $1,500 and awarded each fall, this annual award assists current CILR students with various expenses.

Last fall, we were honoured to present the award to Kellie Aleck, Audrey Pearson and Amanda Crocker. Read more about our CILR award recipients.

Explore more stories

From language reclamation to the healing power of storytelling, discover how Indigenous educators and leaders are inspiring change.

• The Journey to Reconnecting with Indigenous Languages — Learn how Kyle Napier, a Métis educator and media expert, supports community-based language revitalization efforts through the CILR program.
• Discover the Healing Art of Storytelling — UVic’s inaugural Storyteller-in-Residence, Richard Van Camp, shares how storytelling, family medicine, and culture can help us reclaim what matters most.

Events and resources

Learn more about the history of Indigenous Peoples through the many resources, stories and events supported by UVic.

• Posted May 30, 2025