National Indigenous Peoples Day is on June 21, and it’s a day for all Canadians to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of the three groups of Indigenous Canadians: the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs.
June 21, the summer solstice, was chosen for National Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly known as National Aboriginal Peoples Day) because many Indigenous communities have traditionally celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to its significance as the longest day of the year.
There are many fun and interesting activities happening all across Western Canada that you can take part in to celebrate. Here are just a few we found:
Victoria, BC
Join the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations for the Victoria Indigenous Cultural Festival, June 21-23, celebrating National Indigenous Day weekend with a canoe crossing opening ceremony, totem pole tour, dance performances, art workshops, Victoria Harbour canoe tours, and mouthwatering authentic cuisine. (Pro Tip: Songhees-style clam chowder is an absolute must.)
A member of the Songhees First Nation dances at Victoria Harbour. Photo: Aboriginal Tourism BC/Graeme Owsianski
Vancouver, BC
National Indigenous Day at Trout Lake is always a big deal, and a great time. Kick things off with a pancake breakfast, then the Friendship Walk through East Vancouver is a special way to connect with the community.
Here are some highlights from last year’s celebrations:
Aboriginal Day – Vancouver 2017 from Michal Furda on Vimeo.
Penticton, BC
Everyone is invited to Penticton’s 3rd Annual Indigenous Day at the Shatford Centre. The event is a collaboration between the En’owkin Centre, Ooknakane Friendship Centre, and South Okanagan Restorative Justice. Plans for the day include a mini pow-wow, food trucks, drumming, story-telling, and much more.
Kamloops, BC
The Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band is hosting an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Thursday, June 21, at the beautiful Quaaout Lodge near Chase, BC. Visitors will be treated to various cultural activities and tours, and the evening will be capped off by a live concert with Maori artist Mihirangi and DJ Shub (of Tribe Called Red fame).
Rossland, BC
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre is hosting a screening of the documentary Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance, an unflinching look at the history and events surrounding the 1990 Oka crisis by acclaimed director Alanis Obomsawin. Obomsawin and her small crew spent 78 days behind Kanien’kéhaka lines filming the armed standoff between protestors and the Sûreté du Québec (Québec’s police force) and the Canadian army. This landmark documentary has been seen around the world, winning over a dozen international awards and making history at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it became the first documentary ever to win the Best Canadian Feature award, and known as “watershed film in the history of First Peoples cinema.”
(If you can’t make it to the screening, the film can also be streamed for free from the National Film Board of Canada’s website here.)
Calgary, AB
Join the National Music Centre for Indigenous Music Day at Studio Bell on June 21, featuring music and youth-friendly activities that celebrate the cultural diversity of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. On-site activities include live music from Métis singer-songwriter Sandra Sutter, traditional dance and drumming performances from Thundering Nations, and indigenous art demonstrations.
Musician Sandra Sutter, photo courtesy of artist’s website
Banff and Canmore, AB
The Banff Centre for Arts never disappoints when it comes to cultural events, and this year’s National Indigenous Peoples Day event will celebrate with a rich and unique immersion in Indigenous arts and culture. The day starts off in beautiful Canmore with a parade down Main Street, then travels to Centennial Park where there will be a welcoming ceremony, dancing, drumming, storytelling, Indigenous food and an artist market. The day concludes at the Banff Centre with a film screening and panel discussion, medicine walks, and musical performance featuring Dale Mac. Events are free and open to the public.
Main Street parade in Canmore, AB. Photo from Canmore.ca
Edmonton
Western Varieties is hosting a week’s worth of events in honour of the day. Edmontonians can take in teepee raisings, prize draws, nature gathering workshops, Cree language lessons, and kids’ crafts. Don’t forget the bannock tacos!
Regina
The National Indigenous Peoples’ Day event at Government House will feature multi-generational drumming group Buffalo Lodge and traditional dance performed on the Ceremonial Circle. The Lieutenant Governor, His Honour Thomas W. Molloy, will be in attendance for a public address.
Saskatoon
The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation starts at 9:30am in Victoria Park and will feature a variety of traditional and multicultural dances, music and performances along the way. The walk culminates at the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, where walkers will enjoy lunch, special guest speakers, entertainment and fun for the whole family.
This year’s theme is “Planting the Seed.” By walking together, the Reconciliation Saskatoon organization hopes to plant the seeds of reconciliation—honouring survivors and answering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action as we create a more inclusive community.
Winnipeg
The University of Manitoba is hosting an entire day of activities: a pipe ceremony, teepee construction workshop, and Anishinaabe cardio workout, children’s storytime, and an Indigenous health seminar. It will also be an arts and culture lover’s dream with crafter/art displays and performances by Maxine Angoo, Spence Tradition and Buffalo Red Thunder Singers.
A Buffalo Red Thunder dancer performing at U of M.
If you can’t make it out to any of the celebrations in your area, you can watch a live broadcast of the festivities from Winnipeg, Ottawa and Toronto on June 23. APTN’s Indigenous Day Live will feature some of the most recognized entertainers in Indigenous music and television, including influential award winners and rising stars.
