Indigenous Peoples Day in Port Moody

Port Moody National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations take place at Rocky Point Park and include food, art and entertainment on or around June 21st.

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Port Moody

National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated in various forms in different communities across the Lower Mainland each year. The festivities in Port Moody are smaller than the main events in places like Vancouver and Surrey. The events, however, are unique and especially interesting in a couple of ways.

Pretty much all National Indigenous Peoples Day events include speeches by dignitaries, dance performances, drumming and other activities that showcase First Nations culture. At the Port Moody event, however, there is a celebration of carved house posts. Included is also a “feast” where participants can sample salmon, a small side dish and a tiny dessert most years.

The event in Port Moody is free to attend (as are most other National Indigenous Peoples Day events elsewhere). The dinner option is usually by donation.

Port Moody’s National Indigenous Peoples Day returned on June 21st last year for the first time since before the pandemic, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. In 2024 there are two events on Saturday, June 22nd, first from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and then from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Local First Nations

Rocky Point Park, Port Moody and the surrounding region are on the unceded traditional territories of the Kwikwetlem, Musqueam, Squamish, Stó:lō and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.

National Indigenous Peoples Day Schedule

There were two different events that took place on June 22nd, 2024, both at Rocky Point Park. First, there was the KAIROS Blanket Exercise from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The blanket exercise is an educational experience where Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers guide participants on a brief history of Indigenous history in Canada.

Then in the evening there was the Coast Salish House Post Blessing Ceremony and Feast from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The event is a celebration of three carved house posts that were raised along the shore of the Burrard Inlet.

There is a traditional feast, drumming and dancing, a book sale and more. Both of the events are free to attend, although for the feast participants must register online in advance to take part.

The Opening Ceremonies

Similar to National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations elsewhere, the opening ceremony at the Port Moody event includes the acknowledgement that the surrounding lands are the traditional unceded territories of the local First Nations. There is also storytelling, drumming, singing and the honouring of elders and dignitaries most years.

The Feast

Each year, attendees at the event are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets, plates and eating utensils. There are tables and chairs for people to sit at too, and paper plates and forks are usually available for those who need them.

The “feast” is just a small sampling of food, but it’s delicious. Attendees can enjoy a meal of salmon or beef, a rice dish and a small jam-filled pastry dessert.

Tickets for the feast are required, but they are usually available on-site to everyone who wants. The organizers of the 2024 event wanted everyone to sign up in advance online.

Other Entertainment

A couple of local First Nations groups provide entertainment. In 2024 the performers included M’Girls, Children of Takaya, Coast Salish Wolfpack, and more.