There are a lineup of local events to help you connect and engage through firsthand experiences and education this National Indigenous People Day, June 21st. June is a month for all to honour the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Metis). Through these events, be inspired to learn beyond the day, and the month.
National Indigenous Peoples Day Events | Experiences While Traveling This Summer
National Indigenous Peoples Day Events
- The Carnegie Community Centre is hosting their second annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Block Party on June 21 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Drop by for cultural sharing performances, community organization tables, giveaways from the Carnegie Cultural Sharing Program, Hives for Humanity, and much more. This cultural event will begin with a welcome from Chief Bill Williams Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Carleen Thomas Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh), Mary Point xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. The day will also feature pop-up performances from J.B. The First Lady, Mannix, Haida Dance Group, D.J. Angle, Ember Sparxx, Carnegie’s lexwst’i:lem drum group, with more cultural sharing performance information coming soon. Everyone is welcome to come and spend the day with us as we celebrate.
- There’s a celebration at Grandview Park on June 21st from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. There will be a walk at 11:00am from the Vancouver Aboriginal Policing Centre up Commercial Drive to the park before the event begins.
- From 4:00pm to 8:30pm at Ambleside in West Vancouver, Indigenous artists will share traditional art forms with the community. Family activities will shine a light on languages, cultures, and the immeasurable contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
- The City of Burnaby hosts a free event for National Indigenous Peoples Day at Civic Square (6100 Willingdon Ave). From 3:00pm to 7:00pm the event will feature an Indigenous artisans market, activities for the whole family, and a variety of performances that include dance, live music, spoken word, and storytelling.
- Surrey’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration & Wellness Event is June 21st from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at Bill Reid Millenium Amphitheatre. Hosted by Semiahmoo, Kwantlen and Katzie First Nations, the in-person event will include cultural sharing from the local First Nations with teachings and practice through art, music, storytelling, dance and more.
- Kitsilano Showboat, which has free nightly shows every weekend this summer, will have a special National Indigenous Peoples Day program on June 21st starting at 7:00pm.
- The Queer Arts Festival hosts Hotlatch: Indigenous Peoples Day, bringing together the hottest queer Indigenous DJs, artists, and dancers for a warehouse dance party.
- Chilliwack hosts an arts event with Coast Salish artist Carrielynn Victor on Friday from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. The transformative evening will bridge art, culture, and conversation.
More Indigenous Peoples Day Events
- On June 19th Science World hosts Interconnected: Exploring Indigenous Perspectives on Earth Matters with Hillary Hyland, Te-awk Tenaw, Talaysay Campo (Co-Owner of Talaysay Tours), Dr. Shandin Pete, and Cara Lenoir.
- Fraser River Indigenous Society hosts their Indigenous Peoples Day event at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday, June 22nd.
- Also on Saturday, you can join the Richmond Indigenous Public Art Bus Tour. Join Musqueam Knowledge Keeper Morgan Guerin on a free bus tour to visit some of the City’s public artworks by Musqueam artists, including Debra Sparrow, Thomas Cannell and Susan Point. This tour is open to all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Honour Indigenous Cultures When Travelling This Summer
- Add Indigenous tourism experiences in BC to your travel plans. Download the Indigenous Tourism BC app to find local tourism operators. Include Indigenous tourism in your travel plans.
- Connection to Land, People and Culture. Commit to learning about the land where you live! Start with a tour with Talaysay Tours in Vancouver.
- Support Indigenous digital economies. Resourceful entrepreneurs are now serving patrons through online orders, delivery service and virtual events. Shop online for Indigenous fashion, food, wine and art to show your support for Indigenous lands, cultures and businesses.
- Follow Indigenous Tourism BC on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas, resources, businesses, and and information.
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