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\t\t<\/p>\nJune is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. Explore community events, cultural learning opportunities, and local gatherings happening across Metro Vancouver.<\/p>\n
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June is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. It is a time to listen, learn, reflect, and take part in community events that share Indigenous histories, cultures, arts, languages, and knowledge.<\/p>\n
Across Metro Vancouver, many communities are hosting public events throughout June. These gatherings offer opportunities to experience storytelling, music, dance, art, markets, workshops, and shared learning in welcoming public spaces.<\/p>\n
For newcomers, these events can be a meaningful way to learn more about the lands we now live and work on, and to better understand the histories and communities that are foundational to Canada.<\/p>\n
Below are some events and learning opportunities taking place across the region. Please check the event links before attending, as dates, times, and program details may change.<\/p>\n
Vancouver: Grandview Park National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration<\/p>\n
One of Vancouver\u2019s larger National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations usually takes place at Grandview Park, located at 1657 Charles Street. The event typically includes a Celebration Walk, an Indigenous market, local vendors, and live performances. For 2026, the Grandview Park celebration is listed for Sunday, June 21, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n
This event is a chance to be in community, support local vendors and artists, and experience cultural sharing in a public gathering space. Past event listings describe music, Indigenous vendors and artisans, cultural learning, community connection, and family-friendly activities at the park.<\/p>\n
Event information: Coquitlam: Learning Through Plants, Public Art, and Weaving<\/p>\n In Coquitlam, National Indigenous Peoples Day is part of the city\u2019s broader commitment to reconciliation and cultural awareness. The City of Coquitlam shares that special lighting features at Lafarge Lake and Pinetree Way are illuminated in red, yellow, white, and black on June 21 to reflect the Indigenous Medicine Wheel symbol, and also on June 1 to mark the beginning of National Indigenous History Month.<\/p>\n This year, Coquitlam Public Library and Evergreen Arts are also hosting learning opportunities in June, including an Indigenous Plant Walk, a public art speaker session, an exhibition opening event, and a wool weaving workshop. These events offer different ways to learn \u2014 through land-based knowledge, conversation, art, and hands-on activities.<\/p>\n Event information: West Vancouver: Gathering at Ambleside Park<\/p>\n The District of West Vancouver will host a family-friendly National Indigenous Peoples Day event at Ambleside Park on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The gathering will take place by the Welcome Figure that marks K\u2019aya\u2019chtn, described by the District as a gathering of ocean canoes.<\/p>\n The event highlights languages, music, dance, cultures, and contributions of First Nations peoples. It is open to all ages and offers a community setting for people to gather, learn, and take part.<\/p>\n Event information: Burnaby: Performances, Storytelling, Artisans, and Family Activities<\/p>\n The City of Burnaby will host its annual National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Civic Square, 6100 Willingdon Avenue, next to Bob Prittie Metrotown Library. The City notes that the event is taking place the day before June 21 to better support participation from Host Nations and other Indigenous people.<\/p>\n This free community event includes performances such as dance, live music, spoken word, and storytelling, along with an Indigenous artisans market. The Burnaby Art Gallery\u2019s BAG on a Bike mobile printing station will also be on site, and families can take part in Indigenous games and soccer drills with Hope and Health.<\/p>\n This is a strong option for families and community members who want to attend an accessible, outdoor gathering with a mix of art, performance, learning, and activity.<\/p>\n Event information: New Westminster: Music, Dance, Culture, and Community at Moody Park<\/p>\n New Westminster\u2019s National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration will take place at Moody Park on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Opening remarks and protocol are listed for 9:30 a.m., with the main event beginning at 10:00 a.m.<\/p>\n The event invites people to bring friends and family, along with a blanket or lawn chair, and take part in a day of music, dance, culture, and community. The event is hosted in collaboration with the Spirit of the Children Society, Qayqayt First Nation, and the City of New Westminster.<\/p>\n Event information: Other Ways to Take Part This Month<\/p>\n If you cannot attend an event, there are still many ways to continue learning during National Indigenous History Month.<\/p>\n You can:<\/p>\n \tvisit a local gallery or museum exhibition<\/p>\n \tsupport Indigenous artists, authors, makers, and businesses<\/p>\n \tlearn about the Nations whose lands you live and work on<\/p>\n \tattend a library talk, workshop, film screening, or community gathering<\/p>\n \tshare what you learn with family, friends, colleagues, and clients<\/p>\n For many newcomers, this month can be an important starting point for learning about Indigenous histories, cultures, and communities in Canada. Learning is ongoing, and each event or resource can support a deeper understanding of the place we now call home.<\/p>\n ISSofBC Learning Resources<\/p>\n At ISSofBC, we encourage staff, clients, and community members to continue learning throughout the year.<\/p>\n You can explore:<\/p>\n ISSofBC Truth & Reconciliation Strategy Truth & Reconciliation curriculum for newcomers Welcome to Our Homelands Share Your Experience<\/p>\n If you attend an event this month, we welcome your reflections and photos.<\/p>\n
Grandview Park National Indigenous Peoples Day information<\/a><\/p>\n
Coquitlam National Indigenous Peoples Day<\/a><\/p>\n
West Vancouver National Indigenous Peoples Day<\/a> [westvancouver.ca]<\/a><\/p>\n
Burnaby National Indigenous Peoples Day<\/a><\/p>\n
New Westminster National Indigenous Peoples Day<\/a><\/p>\n
Truth and Reconciliation | Resources | Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC)<\/a><\/p>\n
Discover the True History of Canada: A New Curriculum for Newcomers | Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC)<\/a><\/p>\n
An ISSofBC video written and directed by Kamala Todd:
Welcome to our Homelands<\/a><\/p>\n