Indigenous Advisory Group

Spindle whorls were traditionally used by Coast Salish women to spin wool and were often carved with intricate designs. The whorl was placed on a wooden spindle to add weight to maintain the spinning motion, and to prevent the wool from falling off the rod.

Artist Qwul’thilum, Dylan Thomas is from the Lyackson First Nation who are traditionally from Valdes Island, on BC’s northwest coast. The spindle whorl entitled Balance and designed for BCASW depicts “four people participating in a collection, all contributing to the centre, to create balance in the community.”

BCASW is grateful to the Indigenous Community of Practice for assembling this list of resources.

Reading, viewing, and listening about Canada’s painful actions can be a difficult experience for many. Please take care to exercise caution and to utilize both personal and professional resources (listed in the linked document below) to assist you as and when needed.

Events, Videos, Training Resources, Territory Acknowledgement, Practice Resources, Supports and Resources for Indigenous Clients, Reports, Circle Practice, Indigenous Media, Mental Wellness, Recipes

Notable Dates

January 4 - National Ribbon Skirt Day (read the National Ribbon Skirt Day Act here!)

February 14 - March for MMIWG2S+

May 5 - National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples / Red Dress Day

May 11 - Moose Hide Campaign Day

June - National Indigenous History Month

June 21 - National Indigenous Peoples Day

August 9 - International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

September 19 - Powley Day

September 30 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day

October 4- National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people