(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) — The BC Federation of Labour today released the following statement regarding National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21:
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day to honor and appreciate the rich cultures, histories, languages and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. But we are also called on to reflect on the continued impacts of colonial violence and the residential school system.
Confronting the past and building a future together go hand in hand. We celebrate the continued progress our province and Indigenous peoples have made toward reconciliation, at the same time as we grieve over the heartbreaking discoveries at the sites of former residential schools.
We are striving to build solidarity and stronger relationships with Indigenous communities, activists and workers; and to create the cultural safety needed to ensure Indigenous voices are heard and respected throughout our movement.
We celebrate the contributions of Indigenous people throughout our history and today. We’re deeply grateful, and we look forward to a deeper, stronger relationship in our shared pursuit of solidarity, justice and equity for all.
And we invite working people throughout BC to take the opportunity to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ cultures, languages, histories and contributions at one of the many events taking place today. See this list for an event near you.
National Indigenous People’s Day Events in BC:
LOWER MAINLAND
Bowen Island
Indigenous Drumming and Story Ceremony with Lil'wat Elders & Tina Pashumati James
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Nectar Yoga 720 Gardner Lane
* Registration by Donation
https://www.nectaryoga.ca/events-calendar/june21-indigenous-ceremony
Burnaby
Wednesday, June 21, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Edmonds Park 7433 Humphries Avenue
New Westminster
Wednesday, June 21, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm
Moody Park
Port Moody
Wednesday, June 21, 3:00 pm
Film Screening: Voices Across the Water
Free Admission – registration required by contacting marketing@pomo.museum
https://www.facebook.com/Portmoodyheritagesociety
Surrey
Wednesday, June 21, 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bill Reid Millenium Amphitheatre 17728 64 Avenue
Tsawwassen
Wednesday, June 21, 9:00 pm – Thursday, June 22, 1:00 am
2331 Tsawwassen Dr.
Vancouver
Carnegie Community Centre Celebrates NIPD
Wednesday, June 21, 1:00 pm
400 Main Street
Pancake Breakfast at VAFCS
9:00 am
1607 E Hastings Street
Friendship Walk from VAFCS to Grandview Park
11:00 am
NIPD at Grandview park
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Grandview Park
National Indigenous Peoples Day @ Chén̓chenstway
Wednesday, June 21, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Oxford Park
West Vancouver
Wednesday, June 21, 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Ambleside Park 1150 Marine Drive
Whistler
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Celebrating National Indigenous History Month
Wednesday June 21, 10:00 am
4584 Blackcomb Way
FRASER VALLEY
Chilliwack
Community Event 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Vedder Park
https://www.facebook.com/events/274072561639593
SUNSHINE COAST
Sechelt
syÃyaya Days: Begins June 21, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Seaside Centre 5790 Toredo Street
Check for other events on other days: https://www.facebook.com/events/166771686211993/
OKANAGAN
Enderby
Wednesday, June 21, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Old Vernon Road and Back Enderby Road
Powwow 9:00 to 3:00 pm Registration Required
https://www.facebook.com/events/590907002904431
Kamloops
Wednesday, June 21, 2:00 pm
345 Powwow Trail
https://www.facebook.com/events/3685391378267585
NORTH CENTRAL
Fort St. James
Wed. June 21, 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Kwah Hall and Cottonwood Park
https://www.nakazdliwhuten.ca/events/national-indigenous-peoples-day-celebration
Prince George
Dune Lhuhuwezdel Indigenous Peoples Gathering
Wednesday, June 21, 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park
Thursday, June 22, 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park
Friday, June 23, 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Omineca Arts Centre 369 Victoria Street
https://virtualfeast.ca/events/nipg/
VANCOUVER ISLAND
Courtenay
K’ÓMOKS FESTIVAL 2023
Wednesday, June 21, 9:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.
Puntledge RV Campground 4624 Condensory Road
Chemainus
Salish Sea Solstice
Wednesday, June 21, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Waterwheel Park
https://www.chemainusvalleycourier.ca/community/entertainment-food-at-national-indigenous-peoples-day-celebration-in-chemainus/?fbclid=IwAR0A39I9qcL1KdaM0rvPkLxw-lqSNPFouVb-4Ip0OUaWwvhzlyuiAxnPQ_Y
Nanaimo
Wednesday, June 21, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Maffeo Sutton Park 100 Comox Road
Victoria
Wednesday. June 21, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
231 Regina Avenue
NORTH COAST
Prince Rupert
Wednesday, June 21, 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Civic Centre Arena
Terrace
Saturday, June 24, 11:00 am
George Little Park
NORTHEAST
Fort St. John
Wednesday, June 21, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Tse’k’wa Heritage Society
Parking and free shuttle from Charlie Lake Pub
https://www.facebook.com/events/595694789061876/
KOOTENAYS
Nelson
Saturday, June 24 1:00 pm
Lakeside Park
https://www.facebook.com/events/765276278627732
ONLINE RESOURCES
Qwi:qwelstom Wellness Team - Videos of multiple elders sharing what NIPD means to them.
https://www.facebook.com/QwiqwelstomWellnessTeam
It’s Our Time – Education Toolkit. Learning Modules: Ongoing, no end date. Available online.
Personal Pledge of Reconciliation: Ongoing. No end date. Online.
Indigenous Canada: Free Online Course: No end date. University of Alberta, available online.