June is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day — a time to honour the cultures, languages, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples whose territories make up the Islands Trust Area.
June 21 is also the summer solstice, a day of spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples. Across the region, Nations gather to share songs, dances, teachings, food, and their connections to the lands and waters, celebrating survival, resilience, and renewal.
This month offers many ways to learn and take part. Below are some First Nation–hosted events, community celebrations, and resources to support learning.
First Nation–hosted events
SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation — First Salmon Ceremony and Canoe Blessing Friday, June 19, 2026, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. · Cordova Spit SȾÁUTW̱ Lands and Environment warmly welcomes families to come together to celebrate culture, stewardship, and community. Website: https://stautw.ca/
K’ómoks First Nation — National Indigenous Peoples Day Saturday, June 20, 2026, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. · Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds, 4839 Headquarters Rd, Courtenay A day-long celebration of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures, with live music from acclaimed Indigenous artists, food and craft vendors, Elder and Youth activities, guided walks, and knowledge sharing. Website: https://komoks.ca/nipd-2026/
Cowichan Tribes — National Indigenous Peoples Day Sunday, June 21, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. · Siem Lelum Gym and Field A celebration of Quw’utsun Mustimuhw guided by Quw’utsun Snuw’uy’ulh, with a BBQ lunch, Slahal (bone game), drumming, singing and dancing, medicine making, knitting demonstrations, a vendor market, and more. Questions: events@stsielhstuhw.com Event details: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1315964543974617&set=a.603100045261074 Cowichan Tribes is also marking the month by highlighting Quw’utsun leaders who resisted colonization in their territory: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1435398845296009&set=pcb.1435417251960835
Snuneymuxw First Nation — Snuneymuxw Days July 24 to 26, 2026 · Various locations A weekend of community celebration, sport, and culture for all ages, including war canoe races at The Point, a Kids Zone (stl’ul’iqulhew’t-hw), a marketplace, basketball and soccer tournaments, lahal (bone game), and a Friday feast and jam night at the Snuneymuxw Longhouse. Details: https://snuneymuxw.exposure.co/snuneymuxw-days
Other community celebrations
Royal Roads University — National Indigenous Peoples Day Throughout June, with a celebration event on Friday, June 19, 2026, on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. Indigenous heritage, culture, food, music, and activities for connection. Website: https://www.royalroads.ca/NIPD2026
Municipality of North Cowichan A list of local celebrations on and around National Indigenous Peoples Day, including Cowichan Tribes at the Si-em Lelum soccer fields (Sunday, June 21, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Stz’uminus First Nation at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith, and the Salish Sea Solstice at Waterwheel Park in Chemainus. Website: https://www.northcowichan.ca/news/june-21-national-indigenous-peoples-day
Indigenous Peoples Weekend (Salt Spring Island) The third annual celebration of Indigenous culture on Salt Spring Island, held at the Farmers’ Institute. Features a tipi-raising opening ceremony, a community potluck honouring Elders, music, dancers, storytelling, an Indigenous crafts market, family workshops, and a silent auction supporting the Q’ushin’tul’ (Walking Together) Ancestors Walk. Volunteer, donation, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Website: https://gulfislandevents.com/indigenous-peoples-weekend/
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líl̓wat7úl Cultural Centre (Whistler) Sunday, June 21, 2026 Immersive cultural programming including the Dancers of Damelahamid, comedian Keith “Bubbas” Nahanee, the Spo7ez Cultural Sharing and Artist Market, gallery and gift shop, and the Thunderbird Café. Website: https://slcc.ca/nipd/
Thank you for taking the time to learn, reflect, and engage. Your willingness to keep learning supports our collective commitment to respectful relationships and Reconciliation.