TOGETHER, WITH OPEN HEARTS AND MINDS

National Indigenous History Month and Peoples Day 2023

June is a month of celebration–a time for all to honour the vitality, success, and beauty of Indigenous cultures and communities in Canada.

As Indigenous Peoples, we celebrate ourselves, our families, communities, lands, and cultures daily. We also celebrate you for joining in by attending local events and learning opportunities that bring us all together–and closer to the gift that is understanding each other.

We take pride in and uplift our good stories–and we want to share them with you! There are more than 200 diverse Indigenous communities in BC alone, with over 160 Indigenous-owned tourism operators and unique experiences–all with stories to share.

Broaden your experience of Indigenous leadership, language, art, ecology, literature, values, lands, economy, wisdom, and innovation. Celebrate Indigenous scholars, leaders, musicians, poets, painters, athletes, inventors, scientists, designers, and thinkers.

Take time with your family, friends, and community to connect to the land, learn about Indigenous Peoples from Indigenous Peoples, and explore Indigenous experiences and offerings.

As a witness, our stories become a part of your experience–an experience for you to remember and share in the stories you tell others about what you have seen and what matters to you. As hearts and ears open to the expression of our Indigenous stories, we create an opportunity to sit in this circle together.

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH 2023

We have dedicated this month to highlight Indigenous businesses, communities, people, video stories, and special events from some of the 200+ unique Indigenous communities in British Columbia. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for a month-long calendar of inspirational and educational Indigenous digital content.

Our Story. Your Experience.

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Our Story. Your Experience.

Come, sit, and hear our stories. You are invited to hear them firsthand as a witness to Indigenous realities and perspectives in present-day British Columbia. There are over 160 Indigenous-owned hotels and campsites, museums and cultural centres, wineries, golf courses, guided wildlife tours, and unique experiences in BC – all with stories to share.

Visit Indigenous tourism experiences and learn

Seek firsthand experiences and education about living Indigenous cultures and realities to inspire your learning beyond the month of June. We walk gently and encourage you to experience the rich and diverse cultures of #IndigenousBC. Download the Indigenous Tourism BC app to find and visit Indigenous tourism experiences in BC.

Learn More about the App

Explore Indigenous Language Tools

Learn more about the history, culture, and language of the keepers of the land you live on. First Voices offers online language learning tools and mobile apps with a comprehensive collection of greetings and introductory phrases from Indigenous communities around BC. Increase your child’s capacity for cultural understanding and empathy with resources that explore Indigenous perspectives on contemporary curriculum content.

National Indigenous Peoples Day: June 21

National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21 and coincides with the summer solstice and the beginning of a season of berry picking and fishing, powwows, and gatherings for the diverse Indigenous peoples in Canada. Traditionally, there are significant gatherings in communities all across BC – parades, dancing, music, festivals, and food. Share your experience on social media with #IndigenousBC.

Check back here often to explore our growing list of Indigenous Peoples Day events.

National Indigenous Peoples Day Events

National Indigenous Peoples Day at SLCC

📍 Whistler

Wednesday June 21

Celebrate the spirit of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Experience lively performances by the Spiritual Warriors and the Spo7ez Performance Team, Curator talks in the UNCEDED Exhibition, live carving, Artists Market on the Mezzanine, and kid’s craft activities throughout the day. Explore authentic First Nations artwork and keepsakes in the Gallery and Gift Shop, and enjoy Indigenous-inspired cuisine at the Thunderbird Café.

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day on the summer solstice – the longest day of the year and holding deep cultural and spiritual significance to many Indigenous peoples. A feature of the Summer Salish Carving Series in 2023 and in honour of the 100 Year Anniversary of the Squamish Nation Amalgamation in July 1923, Squamish Artist Xwalacktun Rick Harry and SLCC Apprentice Brandon Hall will begin live carving of a new 30ft pole.

Event Details

National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre

📍 Vancouver

Wednesday June 21

Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre! This vibrant and culturally rich event is a day filled with festivities, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for Indigenous cultures.

From 9 AM to 11 AM, indulge in a delicious breakfast at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, located at 1607 E. Hastings Street. Following the breakfast, the excitement continues with a friendship walk from the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre to the picturesque Grandview Park. From noon until 4 PM, the park transforms into a bustling hub of cultural activities, performances, and vibrant vendors. Take the opportunity to engage with local artisans, explore unique merchandise, and gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous heritage.

Event Details

National Indigenous Peoples Day at Edmonds Park and Plaza

📍 Burnaby

Wednesday June 21

Honour and recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day by joining us for a community celebration at Edmonds Park and Plaza, 7433 Edmonds Street.

The celebration of Indigenous culture in partnership with Spirit of the Children Society, will begin at noon and will run until 5 pm, featuring a variety of performances that include dance, spoken word, storytelling and artisans featuring original works, prints, jewelry, beadwork, leatherwork and more.

Event Details

National Indigenous Peoples Day at Ambleside Park

📍 West Vancouver

Wednesday June 21

Indigenous artists will share traditional art forms with the community. Activities suitable for children will shine a light on languages, cultures, and the immeasurable contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Event Details

Mid-Island Metis Nation Celebrates in Nanaimo

📍 Nanaimo

Wednesday June 21

Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at Maffeo Sutton Park from 5-8 pm to celebrate, have fun, learn, and create community. This is a free and public event. All are welcome.

Event Details

Surrey's National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration & Wellness Event

📍 Surrey

Wednesday June 21

The City of Surrey is situated on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the sǝmyámǝ (Semiahmoo), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), and q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen) land-based Nations who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial. Join us on June 21 for the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration & Wellness Event, live at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale.

Event Details

K’ómoks Festival 2023

📍 Courtenay

Wednesday June 21

Come together on June 21st to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. The day begins with a Welcoming Ceremony with Hereditary Chiefs, Elected Officials, Staff & Delegates from the K’ómoks First Nation. We will celebrate together through art, music, dance, workshops, storytelling, and delicious food.

Event Details

Songhees Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

📍 Victoria

Wednesday June 21

Join Songhees on Tuesday, June 21st at 3:30 pm on National Indigenous Peoples Day to honor and celebrate our many strengths, achievements, language, knowledge, culture, songs, dances, and traditions. We are a strong, sovereign Nation with rich history and extraordinary leadership and vision.

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National Indigenous People's Day - Alert Bay

📍 Alert Bay

Wednesday June 21

On behalf of our National Indigenous People’s Day partners, U’Mista Cultural Society would like to invite you to our annual community event. Everyone is welcome! See you there!

Event Details

Pole Raising Celebration for K'waxdzi'dzas

📍 Cumberland

Wednesday June 21 – 10am

The Kumugwe Dancers will be celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day and the start of summer by supporting our ever talented artist Karver Everson out in Cumberland. Karver and Junior Henderson have carved a pair of magnificent totem poles that will be unveiled to all on June 21st. Come on out to witness the festivities!

Event Details

Let's Stay in Touch

We walk gently and encourage education and exploration about the rich and diverse Indigenous cultures in British Columbia.