National Indigenous Peoples Day Events

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt Monday, May 31st, 2021 — 8:37am PDT

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National Indigenous Peoples Day is coming up on June 21st, and Indigenous Tourism BC (“ITBC”) invites everyone to honour local First Nations cultures, while reflecting on the continuing history of Indigenous peoples. Through a series of virtual workshops that promote support for local businesses, ITBC hopes to raise awareness of the province’s exceptional Indigenous travel experiences, and highlight the many ways tourism supports revitalization of Indigenous cultures.

Candace Campo Talaysay Tours — Candace Campo of Talaysay Tours

National Indigenous History Month was first instituted in June 2009, as a way to educate, connect and promote reconciliation in Canada. National Indigenous Peoples Day was declared in 1996, with the date of June 21 chosen to coincide with the summer solstice and the start of berry-picking and fishing season.

ITBC will facilitate deeper connections between Canadians and Indigenous cultures in BC through a series of virtual workshops that promote support for local businesses, raise awareness of the province’s exceptional Indigenous travel experiences, and highlight the many ways tourism supports revitalization of Indigenous cultures.

Art by Janine Lott — Art by Syilx artist Janine Lott available at Syilx Trail

National Indigenous Peoples Day Events

A Tasting of Indigenous Cultures
When: Tuesday, June 15, 2021 2:00pm
Where: Online
Tickets: Available online now
About: An immersive exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in BC. Viewers will meet Paul Natrall, second-generation chef and owner of Vancouver’s Indigenous food truck, Mr. Bannock, and Ryan Widdup, manager and sommelier of the Okanagan’s picturesque Indigenous World Winery. Learn how to make authentic bannock from home and learn about the history and practices behind Indigenous wine.

Celebrating Living Indigenous Arts & Culture
When: Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 2:00pm
Where: Online
Tickets: Available online now
About: Travel virtually to the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, BC with Sara Fulla, where you’ll learn about the history and cultural significance of Potlatches as well as the artistic practices of cedar weaving, song and dance. Viewers will then be transported to the remote Great Bear Rainforest in Klemtu, BC where they will meet Sierra Hall at Spirit Bear Lodge. From harvesting traditional foods and wildlife watching to viewing petroglyphs and historical tours, Spirit Bear Lodge fosters deep connections to place and land.

Territorial Acknowledgements, An Interactive Introduction
When: Monday, June 21, 2021 from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Where: Online
Tickets: Available online now
About: Join Ta7talíya Nahanee, Squamish, to personalize your connection to acknowledging Indigenous Territories on National Indigenous Peoples Day. This hour-long interactive introduction is hosted on the shared territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples to: share the what, why and how of Territorial Acknowledgements; explain colonial conditioning and decolonizing practices; provide writing prompts and resources to personalize your acknowledgement

Honouring Wellness
When: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 2:00pm
Where: Online
Tickets: Available online now
About: Restore your spirit through an exploration of Indigenous wellness rituals. Frank Antoine, co-founder of the Okanagan’s Moccasin Trails, will host a smudging ceremony and attendees will learn about the colonization of Indigenous wellness practices. Viewers will then meet Dennis Thomas of Vancouver’s Takaya Tours, an Indigenous owned eco-tourism venture. Indigenous peoples have travelled the land and waters of traditional territory for thousands of years, and Dennis will share his ancestral knowledge, fostering an appreciation for wilderness and Indigenous culture. Learn how nature and sustainability, through an Indigenous worldview, contribute to social wellbeing.

Takaya Tours Cease Wyss — Cease Wyss, guide with Takaya Tours

Ways to Honour Indigenous Cultures When Travelling

Honour physical distancing requirements in Indigenous communities. Follow local travel recommendations to protect Indigenous elders, children, resources and lands.
Add Indigenous tourism experiences in BC to your travel plans. Download the Indigenous Tourism BC app to find local tourism operators. Include Indigenous tourism in your travel plans.
Connection to Land, People and Culture. Commit to learning about the land where you live! Start with a virtual tour with Candace Campo from Talaysay Tours.
Support Indigenous digital economies. Resourceful entrepreneurs are now serving patrons through online orders, delivery service and virtual events. Shop online for Indigenous fashion, food, wine and art to show your support for Indigenous lands, cultures and businesses.