How to Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21 is the National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Formerly known as the National Aboriginal Day, announced in 1996, is a day for all Canadians to recognize and honour the distinct heritage, language, cultural practices, spiritual beliefs and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada.

Many large celebration events have been held across the country each year near or on this important day. One of the biggest events in BC is the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at Trout Lake . Due to Covid-19, many of the events have been postponed or cancelled, others have been moved online.

There are so many ways to make this day/week meaningful.

One of them is to check out what’s happening at Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House:

1. Frog Hollow NIPD YouTube Playlist:

2. Frog Hollow Virtual Programs – Sign-up now📣:

• Jun 17th, Wednesday: Indigenous Plant Workshop

• Jun 19th, Friday: All Nations Drum Circle

• Jun 21st, Sunday: Facebook Celebration Event

3. Learn to make a medicine bag with Jessie&Odin (NEW✨)

Besides, we also put together a list of other virtual resources hoping that you will find the ones that resonate with you and your family the most:

*Disclaimer: All information and resources in this list is for informational purposes only.

Audio Book:

“21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality” – by Bob Joseph

Short Documentary:

Invasion

Online Courses:

Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education- University of British Columbia

Indigenous Canada – University of Alberta

Podcast:
Growing up Indigenous when you don’t look it

Books:

20 Canadian books for kids and teens to read for National Indigenous History Month

35 books to read for National Indigenous History Month

Online Events:

Jun 17

• 10-1045am: Songs & Stories – Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day!

Jun 19

• 2-3pm: Breaking Bannock with: Kwitelut I Kwelaw’ikw Carla George

Jun 21

• 645pm-9pm:National Indigenous Peoples Day Summer Solstice Coffee House at Britannia
• Full-day: Indigenous Arts at Banff Centre
• National Film Board (NFB) will live stream the award-winning documentary “Now Is the Time” on the website
• 12:00noon Williams Lake BC online POWWOW

Others:

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Vancouver and Lower Mainland

This is not a complete list. We’d like to hear from you other good ideas in celebrating this important day. Leave your comments below!