June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day – a day recognizing and celebrating the cultures, contributions, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. At TransLink, we acknowledge, respect, and celebrate the Indigenous Nations on whose territories we are fortunate to live, work, operate, and serve on. We recognize that in planning and managing the region’s transportation system we have a role to play in supporting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

As Metro Vancouverites, we’re fortunate to live in a robustly multicultural region providing myriad opportunities to take in various cultural events. National Indigenous Peoples Day is no exception.

Despite events still being a little unconventional this year, there are still many opportunities both in-person and virtual to take in some of the culture of the day.

City of Surrey Virtual National Indigenous Peoples Day

Hosted by the Local Land-Based Nations: Semiahmoo, Kwantlen and Katzie First Nations, Surrey’s National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and show respect and admiration for Indigenous People past, present, and future; to share cultural history; and to share spirit, experiences, stories, song, art, and dance with each other and the community.

More info at www.surrey.ca/NIPD

• June 21, 2021
• FRAFCA Facebook Live and FRAFCA YouTube Live
• Kids Show: 11:00AM-11:30AM | Main Event: 6:00PM-7:30PM

Vancouver’s First Nation Talking Stick Festival

The Talking Stick Festival is an inclusive multi-day festival that’s open to the public. It features storytelling, dance, music, theatre, and other performing arts and cultural works by a wide range of Indigenous artists.

In previous years the Talking Stick Festival has been in just February, and at only that time of the year. In 2021, however, in addition to the winter session, there are spring, summer, and fall sessions as well.

The Summer Sojourn Session

The third in the series of events in 2021, the Summer Sojourn session runs from June 1st to July 1st. This is the longest session yet this year, with plenty of events on offer. They are all online and all free. Get the full schedule here: https://fullcircle.ca/season-3-summer-sojourn/

Indigenous Tourism BC’s interactive wellness workshop

Join Indigenous Tourism BC for an interactive wellness workshop in celebration of National Indigenous History Month.

To begin the workshop, Frank Antoine, co-founder of the Okanagan’s Moccasin Trails, will guide viewers through a spiritual smudging ceremony. Viewers will have the opportunity to learn about the colonization of Indigenous wellness practices, including the use of sage, and how we collectively can educate ourselves and pay respect to the origins of these customs. Register for this event here.

If you’re out on the SkyTrain system, make sure to have a listen for Dwayne Cunningham, a TransLink staffer and member of the Katzie First Nation, with a special announcement for transit riders.

Consider joining Takaya Tours on a Cultural Tour in 35′ ocean going canoe, or learn about Indigenous plants through a Nature Walk at The Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats, or further your knowledge and understanding of National Indigenous Peoples Day and Month here.

Don’t forget to check out our list from last year for some great eats, art, and other experiences to check out!