We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work, play and travel on the traditional, ancestral, unceded and shared territories of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, Leq’á:mel, Sema:th, Matheqwí, Qwó:ltl’el, Sq’éwlets, Aitchelitz, Shxwha:y, Skowkale, Squiala, Soowahlie, Tzeachten, Yakweakwioose, Cheam, Skwah, Kwaw Kwaw apilt, Douglas, Seabird Island, Sts’Ailes, Samahquam, Sq’ewá:lxw, Skatin, Chawathil, Shxw’ow’hamel, Xwoxwela:lhp, Peters, Popkum, Skawahlook, Spuzzum, Boston Bar, and Boothroyd First Nations.
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada! It’s an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of the Indigenous communities across the country; a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact how Canada evolves.
These are some of the engaging, educational, and fun events that you can attend in the Fraser Valley this month to learn more about and honour local Indigenous communities, and celebrate their unique and diverse cultures!
June 8 – Abbotsford – Selxwí:chel Arts and Culture Day
Join a vibrant day of shared culture with this Indigenous-themed community gathering. Spread across a schedule of engaging events, visitors can take part in craft workshops, traditional dance performances, and educational story telling. A fantastic all ages, family-friendly day of artistry, culture, and learning!
June 17th – Chilliwack – Rooted Waters & Cultural Showcase
With food trucks, an artisan vendor market and all kinds of unique performances, this Indigenous celebration is open to anyone looking to learn, snack and socialize. Stop by and meet master carvers as they shape pieces of cedar onsite, or wander the vendor stalls and marvel at the meticulous detail of each crafted treasure. There will also be a ticketed puppeteer performance showcasing the Indigenous Sturgeon Story, and a film screening highlighting the nine Indigenous nations connected to Chilliwack!
June 20 – Abbotsford – National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
The gorgeous Mill Lake Park is the perfect setting for an annual summer celebration like this one. Free and open to everyone, visitors are invited to be a part of Indigenous knowledge, history, and art. Get ready for an immersive and culture-rich way to kick off your weekend.
June 21 – Harrison River Valley – First Nations Bead-a-thon
On National Indigenous People’s Day, the Ruby Creek Art Gallery invites you to witness the artistry of beading at their First Nations Bead-a-thon. Watch the local First Nations Beading demonstrations, shop the Beading Marketplace, and enjoy Bannock and other delicious delights at the food trucks. Everyone is welcome to this free family event!
June 28 & 29 – Harrison River Valley – Sasquatch Days
A three-day festival that first began in 1938, Sasquatch Days brings our community together for an energetic celebration on the shores of Harrison Lake. The lake is the traditional territory of Sts’ailes People on the ancient village site of Qwólts, so it’s the ideal spot for canoe races, salmon BBQ, medicine walks and much more!
Good Neighbours Lhewá:mel Project – The Gathering Place and the Welcome Portal
Not an event, but worth visiting nonetheless, these two new spots in Peach Park create wonderful opportunities to reflect on Indigenous history, and champion the culture of Canada’s first people. Start by stepping through the Welcome Portal, which acts as an invitation to all cultures to consider their relationship with nature and the land they stand on. Walk a little further and you’ll reach The Gathering Place, a permanent exhibit that tells the story of S’ólh Téméxw (our sacred land), and lays out how we can collectively move forward with respect and inclusivity.
