Tuesday, June 21, is National Indigenous Peoples Day.
It is a day to stop and purposefully recognize and celebrate “the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples,” according to the Government of Canada.
The federal recognition of the date came in 1996.
The particular date was chosen because it was on or close to the date many Indigenous folks marked the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.
Here’s how the day is being marked in the Sea to Sky.
In Squamish
•Where: at Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Totem Hall at 1380 Stawamus Road.
What: There will be workshops, vendors, canoe races, dancing and singing and more
Who: Everyone welcome!
When: June 21, From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
•Where: Squamish Public Library
What: Indigenous Storytelling by Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (The Elders of the Squamish People)
The library says: "Join Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (The Elders of the Squamish People) Kwa-Kwain-Kwulth-enexw Linda Williams and Khapquolanogh Henry Williams for a morning of storytelling followed by a group discussion."
Who: Register by email [email protected].
When: June 22 at 10:30:am
Cost: Free
In Whistler
Where: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) near the Upper Village
What: A celebration of Skw̲xw̲ú7mesh (Squamish People) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil’wat People).
The events are in partnership with Resort Municipality of Whistler.
The day will include musical performances by the Spiritual Warriors and the Spo7ez Performance Team and spoken word from SLCC ambassador and hip-hop artist Jay Natrell, also known as The Prophet.
The SLCC’s latest exhibit, Ancient Medicines: From Feast to Famine to Freedom also opens June 21. On the same day, the museum will play host to storytelling, live carving as part of the Community Reconciliation Canoe project, an artist market featuring traditional and contemporary work from Lil’wat and Squamish Nation artists, and activities, as well as a yoga session in Itsken Hall led by lululemon.
When: June 21 for free events. National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations continue until July 3.
For full programming details, visit slcc.ca/nipd.
Cost: Free on June 21
In West Vancouver
Where: West Vancouver Memorial Library (Reader’s Rooftop on the outdoor patio.)
What: Indigenous Storytelling by Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (The Elders of the Squamish People).
The West Van library says those who register will join Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (Elder of the Squamish People)
with Chief Bill Williams Talalsamkin Siyam for a morning of storytelling followed by group discussion.
Williams Talalsamkin Siyam is a Hereditary Chief of Seaichem Reserve in the Squamish Valley. One of 16 Hereditary Chiefs who Amalgamated in 1923 to form what is called Squamish Chiefs and Council.
When: Tuesday, June 28, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Who: Register by filling out the form on the West Vancouver library site.
Cost: Free
~With files from Brandon Barrett/Pique Newsmagazine
