Let’s gather to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Month and Day!

National Indigenous Peoples Day is almost here! On behalf of the 19 partner organizations and co-hosts of this spectacular community event, I wanted to share this video message and warmly invite you to join the festivities June 21 on the traditional Lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.

The celebrations include traditional performances, a canoe landing protocol practice, traditional plant walks on Charlie's Trail with Cowichan Elder Kenneth Elliott, crafts and much more. Food vendors will offer a variety of fare for purchase, from piping hot bannock to frozen treats and this year, for the first time, the vendor market will exclusively showcase Indigenous artisans, creators and makers.

This event takes a tremendous amount of effort and coordination, and I know that Elders, organizers, participants, volunteers, vendors and performers pour their hearts and love into this gathering every year. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to each one of you. Hay'sxw'qa si'em!

Learn more about the event and and I encourage you to join in the festivities.