National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations

Event information

Date and time

Friday, June 21, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location

Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Road, Colwood

Admission

Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.

School registration

We welcome all schools! 

All educators wishing to bring their schools or classes must register by June 14. Shortly after your registration has been received, you will receive an email with further details regarding transportation and the day's schedule of activities. For any questions, please email Katie Gaetz, curriculum coordinator, Na'tsa'maht Indigenous Education, Sooke School District.

Register your class today!

Parking

Limited parking is available. Please consider taking public transit or walking or cycling to Royal Roads along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. Accessible parking will be available for those with a valid permit and shuttle service between campus parking lots and the event site will be available for the duration of the event.

Schedule of events

10:00 a.m.

• Lekwungen Traditional Dancers and Singers performance at shore stage.

10:30 a.m.

• Welcome ceremony, traditional welcome and opening remarks on the shore stage
• Prayer

10:40 a.m.

• Traditional canoe landing protocol practice on the shore of the Esquimalt Lagoon led by Lekwungen (Songhees) Nation Elder Butch Dick

12 p.m. 

• Field stage opens for performances
  • Joyful Jiggers with Calvin Cairns and Ry Moran
  • Ribbon Skirt Dancers
  • Esquimalt Singers and Dancers
  • Red Buff
  • Karen Lee White & Friends
  • Ahousaht Drummers and Singers
• Traditional plant walks on Charlie's Trail along Colwood Creek with Cowichan Elder Kenneth Elliott

All day

• Canoe challenges
• Children’s field games
• Children's craft tent
• Frybread station
• Food trucks (food & beverages for purchase)
• Vendors market, partner displays and more!

3 p.m.

• Closing ceremony

*Schedule subject to change