Indigenous Peoples Day Events around ‘Metro Vancouver’

Fraser River Indigenous Society
Where: Memorial Peace Park, 22407 Dewdney Trunk Rd., “Maple Ridge”
When: Saturday, June 18, 10am-2pm
Cost: Free

Join Fraser River Indigenous Society for an immersive day of activities for all ages. Festivities include artists and live musicians, an Elders’ tent, and more.   

The Voice of Virago Nation: A Docu-Strip
Where: York Theatre, 639 Commercial Dr., “Vancouver”
When: Tuesday, June 21, 7:30pm
Cost: Regular Tickets $40.25, Generous Rate $50.25, Community $20.25
Age: 18+

“Join Virago Nation, Turtle Island’s award-winning, all-Indigenous burlesque troupe, as they celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21^st. Witness the rematriation of Indigenous sexuality via stunning live guest performances and screening of their self-produced documentary, The Voices of Virago Nation: A Docu-Strip,” says the events page.

“The Voices of Virago Nation: A Docu-Strip is part storytelling, part striptease. The Result is a must-see documentary x burlesque show that will leave you feeling entertained, educated, and empowered,” according to the events page.

Qwalena: The Wild Woman Who Steals Children
Where: H.R. MacMillian Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut St., “Vancouver”
When: Tuesday, June 21,  7-8:30pm
Cost: $23.23
Age: 13+

“3 Crows Production return to perform their scary multimedia story of Qwalena: The Wild Woman That Steals Children in the Planetarium Star Theatre. Siksika First Nation member Dallas Yellowfly blends his experience in stand-up comedy, music, and filmmaking to create engaging multimedia storytelling performances. In this unique theatrical performance, Yellowfly blends Oral Tradition, multimedia, and a bit of humour to explore the intergenerational impact of Indian residential schools. Qwalena provides an opportunity to bridge Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities by creating awareness and understanding about the problems still faced today by Indigenous Peoples. After the performance, there will be time for questions, and to continue the conversation,” says the event page.

Municipal Events

Surrey’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration & Wellness Event
Hosted By: Semiahmoo First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, Katzie First Nation
Where: Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Rd., “Surrey”
When: Tuesday, June 21,  3pm-8pm
Cost: Free

“The in-person event will include cultural sharing from the local First Nations with teachings and practice through art, music, storytelling and dance,” according to the City of Surrey’s event page.

“National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration and Wellness Event is a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate the diverse Indigenous cultures of these lands as well as all others who have made this beautiful part of British Columbia their home,” said Chief Harley Chappell of the Semiahmoo First Nation.

West Vancouver National Indigenous Peoples Day
Where: Ambleside Park, “West Vancouver”
When: Tuesday, June 21, 3:30-8pm
Cost: Free

“Indigenous artists will share traditional art forms with the community. Activities suitable for children will shine a light on languages, cultures, and the immeasurable contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples,” according to the event page. Workshops and activities include wool weaving, wood carving and working and more.

Burnaby National Indigenous Peoples Day
When: Tuesday, June 21, 11am-5pm
Where: Edmonds Community Centre, 7433 Edmonds St., “Burnaby”
Cost: Free

Join the City of Burnaby for National Indigenous Peoples Day at Edmonds Park and Plaza. “Events include: Indigenous artisan market, storytelling with Squamish Nation Elder Kultsia Barb Wyss and Haida educator and author Kung Jaadee, performances from Tsleil-Waututh Warriors,” according to the event page. The schedule for events can be found on the event page. 

University Events

KPU Indigenous Dialogue Series – Pam Palmater
When: Tuesday, June 21, 12pm-1:30pm
Where: Online  
Cost: Free

Dr. Pam Palmater will be giving a talk on the Perspectives on Reconciliation with Kwantlen Polytechnic University. The event has registration which can be found on the event webpage. Pam Palmater “is a well-known media commentator and public speaker – considered one of Canada’s Top 25 Influential Movers and Shakers by the Financial Post (2017),” according to the event page.

Vancouver Community College – National Indigenous Peoples Day activities
Where: Broadway Campus – Building B, Level 1 & Downtown Campus – ​​Gathering Space, Level 1, Room 100m, both in “Vancouver”
When: Monday, June 20, 11am-3pm
Cost: Free

VCC Indigenous Education and Community Engagement department and the Student’s Union of VCC are having a day of events celebrating and recognizing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

UBC – Outdoor Screen: Stories from Musqueam
When: Tuesday, June 21, 11am-5p
Where: Belkin Outdoor Screen, 1825 Main Mall, UBC Point Grey Campus
Cost: Free

“Belkin’s Outdoor Screen will present a selection of videos that feature the work and words of Musqueam artists, cultural knowledge keepers and community members. Highlighting Musqueam, upon whose traditional, ancestral and unceded territory the Belkin is located, the films acknowledge Musqueam’s presence and stewardship of this land for thousands of years through shared stories of listening, learning and relationships that are felt across time,” according to the events page. To see the line-up, head to the event’s webpage.

UBC – Indigenous Peoples Day Film Screenings
When: Tuesday, June 21, 10am-5pm
Where: Museum of Anthropology, 6393 NW Marine Drive, UBC Point Grey Campus
Cost: $18, but free for Indigenous people

“A selection of short films that feature the work and words of Musqueam artists, cultural knowledge keepers and community members,” according to the events page.