Celebrating National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month at Queen’s Health Sciences

Feature Stories | 03 Jun 2024

June brings more than the official start of summer, it is also a month of celebration and recognition for many people across Canada. It is National Indigenous History Month, appreciating the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and National Indigenous Peoples’ Day on June 21. It is also Pride Month and the beginning of the Pride season celebrating the diversity and achievements of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Queen’s Health Sciences is committed to supporting Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ faculty, staff, and learners and will use the upcoming weeks to share events, resources, digital content with everyone to facilitate and foster learning, engagement, and community.  

Throughout the month, you’ll find new stories on the QHS homepage and social media channels. Here is a preview of some of the upcoming content: 

A look at the QueerMed Pride event (held May 8) that featured guest speaker, Dr. Nancy Tatham, an alumna and long-time community queer activist who talked about her experiences fighting for queer rights and equality.
Learner reflections from Emma Monti, QueerMed co-leader, and Jada Beck, Indigenous Health Standing Committee.
Photos and video from the soft launch opening of the Indigenous Health Office (June 19 – see below for more details).
A research round-up of 2SLGBTQIA+ and Indigenous Health-focused research.

National Indigenous History Month - Events

Office of Indigenous Health Opening - June 19

Visit the Nest (15 Arch St., 4th Floor, Room 402) for the soft launch opening of the Office of Indigenous Health on June 19, 12:30-2:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Kingston – June 21

Celebrate Indigenous talent and culture in City Park and Springer Market Square on June 21.

4D Self-Care and Lunch – June 26

Indigenous staff and students are invited to Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre (4D) on June 26 for a day of self-care activities and lunch. Follow @fourdirectionsqueens on Instagram for details.

Pride Month - Events

Kingston Pride

Kingston Pride Parade: Members of the School of Nursing will be participating in the Kingston Pride Parade on June 15 from 12-1pm. If you would like to join, contact: nursadmdir@queensu.ca. See here for more details on Kingston Pride events (Pride Week in Kingston is June 8 – 16).

Social Media

Keep an eye on the QHS X, Facebook and Instagram accounts throughout June as we explore resources and stories related to National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month.