Events and ceremonies in B.C. to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day

Several communities across B.C., including Surrey, Vancouver, and Burnaby, are set to hold events Tuesday to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.

It’s a day to celebrate the diverse cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Surrey

The Semiahmoo, Kwantlen, and Katzie First Nations are hosting a free in-person event of teachings, art, music, and dance at Holland Park. The event starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. at 13428 Old Yale Road. There will be a community BBQ between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m..

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration at Holland Park. (Credit: City of Surrey)

Burnaby

Squamish and Haida storytelling, performances from Tsleil-Waututh Warriors and Salish Thunderbirds, and an Indigenous artisan market at Burnaby’s Edmonds Park and Plaza. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

West Vancouver

Interactive art workshops include traditional storytelling, wool weaving, wood carving, and more Tuesday afternoon at Ambleside Park between 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Vancouver

• Spakwus Slolem/Eagle Song Dancers will perform at the Kitsilano Showboat at 7 p.m.

• Vancouver’s Carnegie Community Centre will have activities such as craft making, singing, and teachings about the Pow-Wow drum as well as Indigenous medicine teachings from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• “Qwalena: The Wild Woman Who Steals Children” at the H.R. MacMillian Space Centre in Vancouver. The event starts at 7 p.m.
• “The Voice of Virago Nation: A Docu-Strip” at the York Theatre, at 7:30pm. Turtle Island’s award-winning, all-Indigenous burlesque troupe, will perform and highlight the importance of rematriation of Indigenous sexuality via stunning live guest performances and screening of their self-produced documentary, according to the event page.

Kamloops

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is inviting everyone to celebrate with them at the Powwow Arbour Tuesday afternoon. There will be a lahal tournament, a traditional stick game, starting at noon.

At 2:30 p.m., people of all ages are invited to a friendly walk/run called the Moccasin Mile.

Following the fitness events, there will be a hypnosis show put on by Indigenous Hypnotist Scott Ward.

There are so many events going on Tuesday in B.C., including one hosted by the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. (Credit: Facebook/Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc)

Across the country

There are several events being held in several communities, to view a full list or check out the interactive map, head to the website. 

Interactive national map of events on June 21, 2022 to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day. (public.tableau.com)