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  • Celebrate The Beautiful Game on Beautiful Lands

    Rooted in Respect, Shared With the World

     

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Welcome to British Columbia during FIFA World Cup 26™.

Come for Soccer. Leave with Connection. Join us in Vancouver from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

FIFA World Cup 26™ Vancouver arrives on the unceded territories of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations during National Indigenous History Month.

This means we’ll be celebrating National Indigenous Peoples’ Day in British Columbia with 350,000 visiting soccer fans expected to attend seven matches at BC Place between June 13 and July 7, 2026.

Welcome to Home Pitch at FIFA Fan Festival™

  • Join Indigenous Tourism BC at Home Pitch

    Indigenous Tourism BC invites you to experience Indigenous cultures, stories, and celebrations at Home Pitch in the FIFA Fan Festival™.

    Join us throughout National Indigenous History Month and on National Indigenous Peoples’ Day (June 21) for cultural sharing, storytelling by community members, and Indigenous experiences and performances.

    Celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and communities of the Host Nations while discovering Indigenous tourism experiences from across British Columbia.

  • Indigenous Activations Schedule in June

    June 13Canoe Cultures Indigenous craft-making experience (early afternoon)
    June 18 & 24Squamish Nation cultural experiences (early afternoon)
    June 21National Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration featuring cultural sharing, storytelling, performances, and Canoe Cultures craft-making activities (morning–early afternoon)
    June 26Musqueam Nation cultural experiences (afternoon)
    June 27Tsleil-Waututh Nation cultural experiences (midday–afternoon)
    June 28Indigenous Athletics Academy soccer drills and fun (afternoon)

    Programming dates and times are subject to change.

  • Indigenous Activations Schedule in July

    July 4Canoe Cultures Indigenous craft-making experience (early afternoon)
    July 5Musqueam Nation cultural experiences (midday–afternoon)
    July 7Tsleil-Waututh Nation cultural experiences (morning–midday) and Squamish Youth Soccer (Late Afternoon)
    July 11Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Musqueam Nation Cultural Experiences (midday–late afternoon)

    Programming dates and times are subject to change.

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples and sport, we are sharing stories of Indigenous athletes and the role sport plays in identity, wellness, and community. 

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The Next Generation of Modern-Day Warriors: “It saved my life”,  says Mateo Kostering about his lifelong connection to the game of soccer. Meet Mateo Kostering, a proud member of the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw Nation and the Namgis Nation. From player to mentor, he’s using sport to uplift the next generation of modern-day warriors—building confidence, resilience, and connection to culture. Watch how Mateo is strengthening Indigenous youth and community through the power of sport.

Beyond the Main Event: Indigenous Experiences Worth the Journey


Indigenous Tourism BC connects you to Indigenous-led experiences across the traditional lands of 200+ distinct First Nations in British Columbia.

Whether you’re visiting for summer adventures, celebrating National Indigenous History Month, or planning a trip around World Cup excitement, Indigenous-led experiences offer meaningful ways to connect with place.

VANCOUVER AND SURROUNDING REGION

DOWNTIME AND DAYTRIPS DURING THE WORLD CUP:

We invite you to enrich your visit to Vancouver. Add a layer of contribution, culture, and connection by exploring Indigenous-owned galleries, restaurants, cultural centers, and experiences in the heart of the city, or take a daytrip toward Whistler or the Fraser Valley.

A LITTLE FURTHER:

GETAWAYS DURING THE WORLD CUP

With a little time to spare, you can set off and find a win in any direction–short island getaways featuring curious explorations of coastal waters and highways that wind through granite features to mountain tops and alpine lakes or dip into green valleys and on to precious grasslands and desert-like climates.

'Ksan Historical Village and Campsite, green grass, totem poles and village site

GOING BEYOND:

LONGER STAYS, DEEPER CONNECTIONS

With a little more time, you might find yourself at the foot of the Rockies, under the vibrant rippling aurora in the great expanse of Northern BC, or in the life-giving waters that feed the grizzlies of the Great Bear Rainforest.

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Pow Wow dancers in regalia at a North Vancouver Pow Wow in British Columbia

June 21, 2026

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY 2026

You’re in luck! National Indigenous Peoples Day 2026 takes place on June 21, 2026, while the world is in Vancouver for FIFA World Cup 26™ (June 11-July 19, 2026).
National Indigenous Peoples Day 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.

Young boy drumming

While you’re here, check for public events hosted by First Nations communities and Indigenous galleries, cultural centres, and organizations. Attend workshops, powwows, film screenings, and fashion shows and do more than see BC. Understand this land through the cultural events and artistic expressions of the original peoples of the land.

And if your time in British Columbia is short, we hope you come back and see us.

A woman looking at Indigenous art on a wall inside of Spirit Gallery

SHOP AND SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Find unique, handcrafted items that reflect the spirit of BC. Shop for Indigenous artwork, sustainable goods, and ethically crafted souvenirs in local markets and galleries.

Coastal Rainforest Safaris image of Humpback Whale emerging from the ocean with birds swarming around

EXPLORE NATURE WITH PURPOSE

By foot, canoe, or kayak, reconnect with the environment through eco-friendly adventures. Whether you’re listening to the trees sheltered by the forest canopy or paddling for different perspectives on the city, you are hearing part of the story.

Plates of food made with traditional Indigenous ingredients on display at Salmon n Bannock

SAVOUR LOCAL, SUSTAINABLE FLAVOURS

From the airport to the mountains, champion sustainability and celebrate Indigenous ingredients and methods. From coastal seafood to wild-harvested delicacies, the Indigenous culinary scenes in Vancouver and Whistler offer a taste of place rooted in Indigenous values, innovation, and sustainability.

Take to the Sky

INDIGENOUS AIRLINES TAKE FLIGHT IN BC

Book a day trip or schedule a scenic tour in the Vancouver Coast & Mountain region. There are not one, but two Indigenous ways to take to the sky for scheduled flights and charter services.