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National Indigenous Peoples Day in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

Indigenous Peoples Day at Holland Park

June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day. Events commemorating the day in celebration of First Nation’s Culture happen all over the Lower Mainland.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a similar event. It happens on September 30th. For details about the day in the fall, see our article about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. To learn about National Indigenous Peoples Day, however, continue reading.

In 2024, this important day is celebrated on Friday, June 21st. Last year, National Indigenous Peoples Day was on Wednesday, June 21st. Events took place that day, but also in some communities on Saturday, June 17th.

 


This article includes information about events in the following communities:

Richmond | Surrey | Bill Reid Gallery (in Vancouver) | Ambleside (in West Vancouver) | City of Vancouver (in Vancouver) | Burnaby | New Westminster | Maple Ridge | Trout Lake (in Vancouver) | Fort Langley | Mission | Chilliwack | Port Moody | Whistler | Harrison Hot Springs


 

Every Child Matters

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day in the Lower Mainland

Places to enjoy First Nations dancing, art and festivities in the Lower Mainland include events in Surrey, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, West Vancouver, downtown Vancouver and at various other locations.

Click on any of the following links to jump to event details at a specific location, or continue reading to learn about National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations throughout the Lower Mainland.

 

Indigenous People's Day in Maple Ridge

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Richmond

The Cannery’s Welcoming the Sun event happened on June 17th last year, so on the Saturday before National Indigenous Peoples Day. The special event usually runs from noon until 4:00 pm and features drumming, storytelling, live performances and other family-friendly activities and entertainment. Exact details for 2024’s event, though, are to be confirmed.

A couple of years ago there were no special Indigenous-themed events or activities at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery on June 21st. Admission was free, however, on that day for people who identified as Indigenous, Inuit or Metis. It was the same again in 2023. Revenues from ticket sales on June 21st from other folks last year went to the Residential Schools Survivors Campaign. This may likely be the same in 2024.

Click National Indigenous Peoples Day in Richmond for more information about the event in Steveston Village.

 

Indigenous Peoples Day at the Cannery
National Indigenous Peoples Day in Richmond

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Surrey

The National Indigenous Peoples Day event in Surrey used take place at Holland Park. However, the event happened at a new location in 2023.

Last year’s celebrations took place at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre which is part of the Cloverdale Rodeo Fairgrounds located at 17728 64 Avenue. The event typically runs from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm on June 21st.

The Surrey event usually includes welcoming and closing ceremonies, a community barbeque, live entertainment and more. It’s typically a big event! Several thousand people attend most years, there are dozens of vendors and community stalls, and the entertainment is extensive.

For more information about the event, see our article about Indigenous Peoples Day in Surrey.

 

Wild Moccasin Dancers at Holland Park
Wild Moccasin Dancers at Surrey’s Holland Park

 

Bill Reid Gallery (in Vancouver)

To commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day, most years the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is free to the public on June 21st. This is likely to be the case again in 2023.

There isn’t usually dancing and entertainment like at the Trout Lake event. With free admission, however, it’s a great time to visit the gallery and see some exceptional Northwest Coast First Nations art.

Click Bill Reid Gallery for more on the Gallery.

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day in West Vancouver

National Indigenous Peoples Day activities happen at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver on June 21st.

Celebrations generally run from 3:30 pm until 8:00 pm. They took place on the traditional, unceded territories of the Skwxwu7mesh (Squamish) People.

Activities at the event mostly include storytelling, workshops and live entertainment. In the past, there’ve also been opportunities to paddle in a couple of canoes.

To learn more about this event, see the District of West Vancouver‘s website.

 

Indigenous Band at Grandview Park

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Vancouver

A few different National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations take place in Vancouver. Last year, there were two main events scheduled for June 21st.

The first event was a celebration at Grandview Park at 1657 Charles Street. At this event, live entertainment and activities run from noon until 5:00 pm. Last year, however, the festivities started earlier and at a different location. There was a pancake breakfast at 9:00 am at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS). The venue is located at 1607 East Hastings Street. After the pancake breakfast, there was a Friendship Walk from the VAFCS to Grandview Park. To learn more, see the event’s Facebook page.

(Note: The above event was the same as what used to take place at Trout Lake. It was just at a different park in 2023.)

Another event that happened last year was at 401 Main Street outside the Carnegie Community Centre. The celebrations at this location began at 1:00 pm and included cultural performances, giveaways, and more. For additional information, see the event’s Facebook page.

A couple of years ago, there was a different event that may return in future years. The City of Vancouver’s National Indigenous Peoples Day event that year took place on Friday, June 24th. It happened in šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (a.k.a. QE Theatre Plaza) at 630 Hamilton Street in downtown Vancouver. Activities ran there between 4:30 pm and around 7:30 pm or 8:00 pm. Performing at the event were the Coastal Wolfpack (also known as Tsatsu Stalqayu), Zach Saunders, Eden Fine Day, Caitlin Goulet, Norine Braun and Murray Porter. This event didn’t happen in 2023. It may or may not happen this year, although details are to be confirmed.

 

Grandview Park on National Indigenous Peoples Day
Grandview Park on June 21st

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Burnaby

The City of Burnaby usually hosts a free community celebration on National Indigenous Peoples Day. The event runs from noon until 5:00 pm at Edmonds Park and Plaza on June 21st. The park’s address is 7433 Edmonds Street.

There’s typically lots of dance, storytelling and spoken word performances. Featured artists last year included Shakti Hayes, Sandy Scofield, Kelsey Wavey, Tawahum, and more. The event also features art activities and artisan vendors.

For more information, visit the City of Burnaby‘s website.

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day in New Westminster

Special activities happen on June 21st at Moody Park in New Westminster between 9:30 am and 2:00 pm. The schedule of events last year was the following and will likely look the same in 2024:

  • 9:30 am – Welcome
  • 10:00 am – Wild Moccasin Dancers Pow Wow
  • 10:30 am – Jane Wiley Hoop Dancer
  • 11:00 am – Star Child Dancers Pow Wow
  • 11:30 am – Stars of the North Drum Group
  • 12:00 pm – Tawahum (Hip Hop)
  • 12:30 pm – Coastal Wolf Pack
  • 1:00 pm – Waceya Métis Society, Jigging and Fiddling (Children)
  • 1:30 pm – Métis Jigging with Charlene Hamilton and Justine Loyie

There is also usually educational displays, storytelling and other activities on site. To learn more, see the City of New Westminster‘s website.

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Maple Ridge

Last year, Maple Ridge celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 17th (so on the Saturday before National Indigenous Peoples Day).

Hosted by the Fraser River Indigenous Society, the event runs from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Memorial Peace Park. Festivities typically incude art, music, storytelling and other activities for all ages.

Memorial Peace Park is in downtown Maple Ridge at 11900 224th Street by McIntosh Avenue.

Click Indigenous Peoples Day in Maple Ridge for further details.

 

Stars of the North Drumming Group
National Indigenous Peoples Day Event in Maple Ridge

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day at Trout Lake

The City of Vancouver’s main National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations begin on June 21st each year at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre at 1607 East Hastings Street.

The festivities at John Hendry Park didn’t happen in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Nothing took place in 2021 or 2022 either. The event did take place in 2023, but at a Grandview Park on Commercial Drive instead of at Trout Lake.

After the event at the centre, there is a Friendship Walk starting at around 11:00 am. The procession begins at the Friendship Centre and then goes along Commercial Drive. Festivities used to happen at Trout Lake then and continue from around 12:00 pm until the late afternoon. In 2023, the event was similar, but at Grandview Park instead.

Celebrations at the park feature First Nations dance performances, canoeing, art displays and cultural learning opportunities.

To learn more about this event, see our article about Indigenous People’s Day at Trout Lake.

 

National Aboriginal Day Crowds
First Nations Celebrations at Trout Lake

 

National Indigenous  Peoples Day in Fort Langley

National Indigenous Peoples Day activities took place at the historic site of Fort Langley on June 17th last year. The event typically runs from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.

On-site interpreters talked more than usual about First Nations-related topics on that day. There were also special guests, presentations, demonstrations and hands-on activities like stone knapping to enjoy.

Click Fort Langley for further details about the site.

 

Every Child Matters

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Mission

Last year’s National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations took place on June 21st by the Mission Friendship Centre Society. The event usually runs from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm at Fraser River Heritage Park.

Admission to the event is free and activities include arts and crafts, storytelling, drumming, face painting and yoga. There is sometimes bannock for sale on site as well.

For more information about the event, visit the City of Mission‘s website.

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Chilliwack

The Chilliwack Learning Society hosts National Indigenous Peoples Day activities at Townsend Park, located at 45130 Wolfe Road in Chilliwack. The event runs from around 9:00 am to about 2:00 pm on June 21st.

The free event features a main stage with a variety of cultural demonstrations and performances. There are also fun races, storytelling, and arts and crafts activities. Organizers at last year’s the event gave away used books as well. This may be the case again in 2024.

To learn more, check out the Chilliwack Learning Society‘s website.

 

Free Events in June

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Port Moody

After not happening for a few years, National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations took place in Port Moody at Rocky Point Park last year.

The event usually runs from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. It features free family-friendly activities such as drumming, singing, and a community art project. There is also a community feast.

Click Indigenous Peoples Day in Port Moody for more details about the event.

 

Port Moody Pier on Indigenous Peoples Day
Port Moody on National Indigenous Peoples Day

 

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is a great place to visit and learn about Indigenous culture and history any time of the year. Located in Whistler’s Upper Village at 4584 Blackcomb Way, the centre has exhibits and a really good gift shop. The centre also offers tours daily and hosts special events for the public at various times.

Last year, the attraction offered three main Indigenous experiences on select dates in June for which you had to buy tickets. There was a Spo7ez Wellness Feast on June 10th from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The other two events ran from 10:00 am until noon on June 17th and 24th. They included a holistic tour and tea offering. Details about 2024’s event are to be confirmed.,

To learn more about the venue and its events, see our article about the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

 

Sasquatch Days in Harrison Hot Springs

The annual Sasquatch Days festival takes place close to National Indigenous Peoples Day. It’s held in the resort town of Harrison Hot Springs.

The festival ran on the weekend of June 17th and 18th last year, so just a few days before. Sasquatch Days features First Nations performances and vendors. There are also war canoe races, barbeque lunches and more. The festival is free to attend.

For more information about the event, see our article about Sasquatch Days.

 

Other Information

The Lower Mainland is on the unceded traditional lands of the Coast Salish people. In Vancouver this includes the territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish nations.

First Nations in other parts of Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland include the Hwlitsum, Katzie, Kwantlen, Kwikwetlem, Matsqui, Qayqayt, Semiahmoo, Sto:lo and Tsawwassen nations.

For information about other related events at other times of the year, click Lower Mainland First Nations.

For a list of other types of events throughout the year, click Festivals & Events Calendar.

As of 2021, a new holiday in both Canada and BC is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It takes place on September 30th and is a somber reflection of the cruelties of the infamous Canadian residential school system.

 

 

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