National Indigenous Peoples Day Events 2024

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt Monday, June 10th, 2024 — 4:11pm PDT

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There are a lineup of local events to help you connect and engage through firsthand experiences and education this National Indigenous People Day, June 21st. June is a month for all to honour the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Metis). Through these events, be inspired to learn beyond the day, and the month.

Indigenous Peoples Day Miss604 — Candace Campo, Talaysay Tours / Wisqii with Kiixin Tours / Janine Lott Art

National Indigenous Peoples Day Events

The Carnegie Community Centre is hosting their second annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Block Party on June 21 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Drop by for cultural sharing performances, community organization tables, giveaways from the Carnegie Cultural Sharing Program, Hives for Humanity, and much more. This cultural event will begin with a welcome from Chief Bill Williams Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Carleen Thomas Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh), Mary Point xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. The day will also feature pop-up performances from J.B. The First Lady, Mannix, Haida Dance Group, D.J. Angle, Ember Sparxx, Carnegie’s lexwst’i:lem drum group, with more cultural sharing performance information coming soon. Everyone is welcome.
Musqueam invites the general public for entertainment and traditional food on Friday, June 21st. Festivities begin at 11:00am.
There’s a celebration at Grandview Park on June 21st from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. There will be a walk at 11:00am from the Vancouver Aboriginal Policing Centre up Commercial Drive to the park before the event begins.
From 4:00pm to 8:30pm at Ambleside in West Vancouver, Indigenous artists will share traditional art forms with the community. Family activities will shine a light on languages, cultures, and the immeasurable contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
The City of Burnaby hosts a free event for National Indigenous Peoples Day at Civic Square (6100 Willingdon Ave). From 3:00pm to 7:00pm the event will feature an Indigenous artisans market, activities for the whole family, and a variety of performances that include dance, live music, spoken word, and storytelling.
Surrey’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration & Wellness Event is June 21st from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at Bill Reid Millenium Amphitheatre. Hosted by Semiahmoo, Kwantlen and Katzie First Nations, the in-person event will include cultural sharing from the local First Nations with teachings and practice through art, music, storytelling, dance and more.
Kitsilano Showboat, which has free nightly shows every weekend this summer, will have a special National Indigenous Peoples Day program on June 21st starting at 7:00pm.
Multitalented award-winning filmmaker and composer Corey Payette curates a full day of programming at VIFF Centre on June 21st. The four selected films highlight creators that bring Indigenous storytelling to the forefront in new and exciting ways.
The day will begin with an introduction to the series from Corey and a screening of his own movie-musical LES FILLES DU ROI, followed by screenings of heartfelt road movie WILDHOOD, #VIFF22 opener BONES OF CROWS, and mockumentary HEY VIKTOR!
The Queer Arts Festival hosts Hotlatch: Indigenous Peoples Day, bringing together the hottest queer Indigenous DJs, artists, and dancers for a warehouse dance party.
New Westminster will have an event 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. Free 9:30am to 2:00pm.
This is a free all-ages event, so invite all your family, friends, neighbours, and people of every kind! No ticket purchases necessary, just show up at Moody Park anytime between 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
Chilliwack hosts an arts event with Coast Salish artist Carrielynn Victor on Friday from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. The transformative evening will bridge art, culture, and conversation.

National Indigenous Peoples Day Maple Ridge

More Indigenous Peoples Day Events

Fraser River Indigenous Society hosts their Indigenous Peoples Day event at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday, June 22nd.
Stalew Arts & Cultural Society will be celebrating its 10th anniversary at Fort Langley National Historic Site. Admission will be free for the day on June 15th. Experience powwow drumming, soulful singing, and captivating dancing. Over 40 vendors will showcase their crafts and wares at the Indigenous vendor’s market and savour Indigenous cuisine at Ancestor’s Café.
On June 19th Science World hosts Interconnected: Exploring Indigenous Perspectives on Earth Matters with Hillary Hyland, Te-awk Tenaw, Talaysay Campo (Co-Owner of Talaysay Tours), Dr. Shandin Pete, and Cara Lenoir.
On Saturday the Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society hosts an event at Douglas Park Spirit Square in Langley City.
Also on June 22nd, you can join the Richmond Indigenous Public Art Bus Tour. Join Musqueam Knowledge Keeper Morgan Guerin on a free bus tour to visit some of the City’s public artworks by Musqueam artists, including Debra Sparrow, Thomas Cannell and Susan Point. This tour is open to all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The Port Moody Ecological Society and In the Presence of Ancestors Project host a Coast Salish House Post Blessing Ceremony and Feast in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day at Rocky Point Park June 22nd. Join community in celebration of three house posts carved by Jonas Jones, Damian George, Brent Sparrow and Xwalacktun.
On Sunday, June 23rd there is the DTES Pow Wow at Oppenheimer Park.
The Vancouver Art Gallery hosts special workshops on Sunday, June 23rd in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Honour Indigenous Cultures When Travelling This Summer

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 tour with Talaysay Tours in Vancouver.
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.
Follow Indigenous Tourism BC on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas, resources, businesses, and and information.

More Resources, Events, Attractions

Starting June 21st, the Museum of Vancouver along with Massy Books, are launching the Mini-Indigi Library, which will be in place until the end of the year. Visitors can find books by Indigenous authors, writers, illustrators and historians in the new Mini Library located in the Museum’s Community Gallery, by the Gift Shop.
The Museum of Anthropology is reopening in June after an 18 month closure and there are two new exhibits: To Be Seen, To Be Heard: First Nations in Public Spaces, 1900–1965 and in Pursuit of Venus [infected].