Every year on June 21, communities across Canada gather to celebrate the cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. The summer solstice, the longest day of the year, holds special meaning for many Indigenous Peoples, making it a powerful and symbolic time to come together. For us, it is a moment of pride, connection, and joy.
National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) is more than a date on the calendar; it is a day of affirmation. It is about visibility, pride, and presence. It is about seeing Indigenous Peoples reflected not in the margins, but in the centre of the story—through song, laughter, fashion, language, and leadership. It’s also a time when allies can show up, listen, and celebrate alongside us, not as spectators, but as welcomed guests.
The path to establishing this day was paved by the vision and advocacy of Indigenous leaders. In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for a day of recognition. That call was echoed by the Sacred Assembly, chaired by Elijah Harper, and the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in 1995. Just a year later, Governor General Roméo LeBlanc proclaimed June 21 as National Aboriginal Day. In 2017, the name officially became National Indigenous Peoples Day, reflecting a more inclusive understanding of the distinct nations within Indigenous identity.
Today, this day continues to grow in recognition. Canada is home to more than 630 First Nations and over 50 Indigenous languages—with British Columbia alone representing 11 distinct language families. Each language carries thousands of years of wisdom, culture, and teachings. National Indigenous Peoples Day is a reminder that these languages, stories, and communities are not only still here—they are thriving.
Celebrating culture, creativity, and community
At the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler, we celebrate NIPD by uplifting the voices, art, and excellence of our communities through meaningful programming. This is more than an event—it’s an act of reclamation, of occupying space with joy and intention.
The day begins with a cultural welcome at the SLCC’s front entrance. This gathering is open to the public and sets the tone for what’s to come: a day grounded in Indigenous presence and generosity.
Our Spo7ez Artist Market takes over the mezzanine, featuring handmade goods, jewelry, textiles, and carvings by Indigenous artists. These works are not only beautiful—they are vessels of story, memory, and skill passed through generations. Purchasing directly from artists supports their livelihood and honours the knowledge systems embedded in each piece.
Visitors can take part in a variety of specialty tours throughout the day. These include the Curatorial Storyboard Tour, led by SLCC Curator Alison Pascal, which shares deeper insight into the stories behind the exhibits. The Legends of the Land Tour explores our newest gallery installation and speaks to Squamish and Lil’wat stories, such as the Wild Woman of the Woods and the Giant Owl. Our Forest Walk Tour brings visitors outside, offering a guided experience connecting teachings of the land with the living environment of the territory.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a celebration without good food. At the SLCC, the barbecue lunch is always a hit—because the smells alone draw a crowd. This year, the Thunderbird Café is serving Bison Burgers, Cedar Plank Salmon Burgers, and Tomahawk Chips. Whether you’re lining up with cousins, co-workers, or someone you just met at the Artist Market, food brings everyone together. In many Indigenous gatherings, a meal isn’t just a nice add-on—it’s expected. You show up, you sing, you dance, you eat. It creates space for people to connect, share a laugh, and linger a little longer.
Laughter, music, and movement
A standout of the day is Keith “Bubbas” Nahanee, a Squamish Nation comedian known for bringing laughter on and off the reserve. He’s been running Bubba’s Comedy for seven years and shares relatable, often hilarious stories from Indigenous life. In our cultures, humour is embedded in storytelling—it disarms, teaches, and heals. It speaks truth while bringing people together through shared joy.
We’re also proud to welcome The Spiritual Warriors, a Lil’wat-based roots reggae band known for their uplifting sound and cultural messages. Singing in the St’át’y’emc language, they blend traditional teachings with rhythm and harmony, creating music that moves both heart and body. Their songs remind us language is not only something to preserve—it’s something to dance with, sing to, and live through.
The highlight of the afternoon is the Sea to Sky Fashion Show, presented in collaboration with Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. This event features Indigenous models from Supernaturals Modelling and the work of Squamish Nation designer Himikalas Pamela Baker. Created just for this day, it gives space for Indigenous designers and models to shine in front of our local community. It’s a celebration of identity, beauty, and strength. Fashion becomes storytelling, reclaiming space in an industry that often leaves us out.
Adding a heartbeat to the show is DJ Kookum, an internationally recognized DJ and producer from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. Known for her dynamic, genre-blending sets, Kookum has toured across North America and performed with the Snotty Nose Rez Kids. During the fashion show, she’ll be behind the decks, bringing global sounds and Indigenous presence together in a celebration of creativity and sound. More than a performer, Kookum is a mentor and community builder empowering Indigenous youth across Turtle Island.
More than one day
While June 21 is an important day for celebration, recognition of Indigenous Peoples doesn’t stop here. Visibility is a year-round practice, and every day offers a chance to listen, learn, and uplift Indigenous voices.
This day isn’t about performance—it’s about presence. When Indigenous Peoples are seen not only through the lens of hardship, but through their everyday brilliance, it shifts the story. We are not only our trauma or our history. We are also our joy, our humour, our art, and our leadership.
NIPD offers a glimpse into what’s possible when Indigenous excellence is supported and shared. It allows young people to see themselves reflected in stages, galleries, and runways. It reminds audiences Indigenous Peoples are not only part of Canada’s past—we are shaping its present and future.
National Indigenous History Month is celebrated throughout June with immersive programming at the SLCC. From guided forest walks and curatorial tours to storytelling sessions and craft workshops, the month offers meaningful ways to engage with Indigenous culture and perspectives. These programs invite visitors to connect more deeply with the Sk_wx_wú7mesh and Líl´wat7úl Peoples—through language, land, art, and shared experiences.
Join the celebration
On June 21, come to the SLCC and celebrate with us. Walk the forest paths, listen to the stories, support local artists, enjoy a meal, and take in the vibrancy of Indigenous fashion and music. This day is an invitation—for community, connection, learning, and celebration.
We are here. We are thriving. And we invite you to witness that truth.
Let’s honour the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the future—together.
t’ec Georgina Dan is a member of the Lil’wat Nation, and cultural administration coordinator at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler.
