Celebrating the heritage of First Nations, Inuit and Métis
Since 2017, June 21 has officially marked the date Canadians celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, though for generations, many Indigenous communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or around the summer solstice.
June also marks National Indigenous History month, and so is the perfect time to take the opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of BC's First Nations.
Locally, on June 20 you can join Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (Elders of the Squamish People) for an hour-long storytelling session on the rooftop garden at the West Vancouver Memorial Library.
On June 21, you can celebrate the spirit of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler, with live performances, curated talks, live carving, an Artists Market and more.
The storytelling series continues at the Squamish Public Library on June 22. The event is free, but you can pre-register HERE.
What else can you do to celebrate? How about:
watch one of the more than 200 Indigenous-created films at the National Film Board (NFB)
learn more about whose land you live on HERE
since June is also Pride Month, celebrate the history of Two-Spirit Indigenous people
Indigenous celebration events continue in the Lower Mainland and along the Sea To Sky for the rest of Indigenous History month, and throughout the summer.
Are you doing something special to celebrate Indigenous History Month or Indigenous Peoples Day? Leave your comment or suggestion below, or email editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca
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