National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations

Reconnecting Community and Celebrating Together

A warm invitation for a day of fun and community relations on the traditional Lands of the Lekwungen Peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations.

Celebrate with us!

A dancer performs at NIPD celebrations.

Event information

Date and time

Wednesday., June 21 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 email Katie Gaetz, Curriculum Coordinator, Na'tsa'maht Indigenous Education, Sooke School District.

Parking

Limited parking is available. The university encourages the public to 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.

Schedule of events

10:00 a.m.

  • Lekwungen Traditional Dancers and Singers perform as participants arrive

10:15 a.m.

  • Welcome ceremony, traditional welcome and opening remarks on the shore of the Esquimalt Lagoon
  • Prayer

10:30 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
  • Traditional plant walks on Charlie's Trail along Colwood Creek with Cowichan Elder Kenneth Elliott and TSAWOUT Elder Earl Claxton Jr.

12:30 to 2 p.m.

  • Mini Wall Hanging Workshop with Elder Maxine Matilpi, Library showcase space 

All day

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

3 p.m.

  • Closing ceremony

Map of the site

Shore area map: Canoe protocol, fry bread station, shore stage

Lower field map: main stage performances, food vendors, vendors, field games etc.