Blog Post, News, Uncategorized

National Indigenous Peoples Month 2025

Posted on by irishinbc
17
Jun

June is National Indigenous History Month. This is a month to take time to recognise the rich history, heritage, culture, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada. Non-Indigenous people can pursue their journey of allyship through education and reflection.

National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.

To discover ways to engage with National Indigenous History Month and beyond, please check out the resources below.

 

Learning

Discover ways to better understand the complexity of Indigenous histories and experiences and share them with those around you.


Connect with Surrounding Communities:

Some options for local celebrations this month are as follows:

  • Vancouver
    • DOWNTOWN – National Indigenous Peoples Day Block Party Celebration at Carnagie Community Centre on June 21, noon to 6pm Main Street, between East Hastings and East Pender, will be closed for the celebration, offering a stage for cultural performances, community organization table, and opportunities for the public from all over Vancouver and the DTES to gather and celebrate together. Further info here.
    • DOWNTOWN – National Indigenous History Month – Screenings of Indigenous focussed films at VIFF from Jun 17th-22nd. Further info here.
    • EAST VAN – National Indigenous Day at Grandview Park. The event begins with a Celebration Walk to Grandview Park and later features performances and an Indigenous Market. To learn more or sign up to volunteer, please see here.
    • KITSILANO – There’s also a special edition of Kitsilano Showboat on June 21st, 2025, 7-9pm. The performers that night are Steven Seegerts & the Urban Aboriginal Drum Circle, and Indigenous storyteller and dancer Katisha Paul.
    • UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENT LANDS – Indigenous Plant Walk, June 26th. Further info here.
  • Abbotsford
    Celebrate Indigenous knowledge and culture at Mill Lake Park. Their National Indigenous Peoples’ Day event on June 20th includes activity stations featuring storytelling, dance, art, and more. Further info here.
  • Agassiz 
    Witness the artistry of beading at a First Nations Beadathon at Ruby Creek Art Gallery (58611 Lougheed Hwy in Ruby Creek). Beading demonstrations, Beading Marketplace and Trena in the Kitchen will be serving lunch & snacks. Further info here.
  • Burnaby
    National Indigenous Day at Civic Square, 6100 Willingdon Ave, June 21st 3-7pm. Further info here.
  • Chilliwack
    Join Chilliwack Cultural Centre on June 17th in honoring Indigenous Peoples Day with Rooted Waters & Cultural Showcase— a powerful celebration of Indigenous culture, history, and art.Tickets can be purchased here.
  • Dawson Creek
    Join us at our Dawson Creek Campus as we celebrate local Indigenous peoples and cultures! There will be drumming, a BBQ, live music, and keynote speaker Taylor Behn-Tsakoza sharing her story. Further info here.
  • Harrison Hot Springs

    Sasquatch Days in Harrison Hot Springs – The very first Sasquatch Days had taken place on in 1938 and was attended by over 2000 First Nations people from across Canada and United States. Be part of living history as you join us on the shores of Harrison Lake, the traditional territory of Sts’ailes people on the ancient village site of Qwólts and attend our war canoe races, salmon BBQ, medicine walks and more. Further info here.
  • Kamloops
    Join Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc on June 21st from 10am – 3pm as they celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in style! Delight your senses with a feast from food trucks, immerse yourself in the rhythms of traditional drumming and singing and witness captivating performances by dancers. Further info here.
  • Kelowna
    Save the Date for the Métis Rendezvous on June 22nd in Fort St. James Historic Park from 11am-4pm. Come celebrate and enjoy some culture. Further info here.
  • Langley
    Join the Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society in a celebration and sharing of culture, with food, youth zone, entertainment, community partners and a vendor market. Further info here.
  • New Westminster
    This event is hosted at Moody Park in collaboration with the Spirit of the Children Society, Qayqayt First Nation and the City of New Westminster. There will be cultural entertainment, physical activities, arts and crafts, Indigenous vendors and storytelling. Further info here.
  • Sechelt
    Syíyaya Days began in 2022 with a partnership between the District of Sechelt, the shíshálh Nation, and the syíyaya Reconciliation Movement. The multi-day event starts on June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day and wraps up with a community parade on July 1, Canada Day. Further info here.
  • Surrey
    National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration & Wellness Event at the Bill Reid Millenium Amphitheatre. Further info here.
  • West Vancouver
    National Indigenous Day at Ambleside. This family-friendly event is suitable for all ages and will shine a light on languages, music and dance, cultures, and the immeasurable contributions of First Nations peoples. Further info here.


Celebrate Cultures

Additional suggestions for events and activities are as follows:

 

Know the Key Reports and Findings

Understand the important work that has taken place and help achieve the Calls to Action.

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