Friday marked National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to celebrate the history and culture of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Communities across Canada held events to mark the day, including several in British Columbia.
Events also took place in Vancouver, Surrey, Vancouver Island, Kelowna, Kamloops and Prince George, and elsewhere around the province.
Chief Marilyn Slett with the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs said in a statement that First Nations must continue pushing for the full implementation of B.C.’s law adopting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
She says the work is moving in the right direction, but there’s more to be done to ensure meaningful outcomes for First Nations.
Premier David Eby issued a statement saying the province is working to implement the law and recognize Indigenous self-determination.
“As we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, I encourage everyone to take time to listen, learn and join the many celebrations honouring Indigenous cultures, traditions, languages and histories,” Eby said.