Voices and video

“The only way we can heal is to be together”

A performer raises hands in the air with dancers gathered around at the 2025 National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at Royal Roads University

“When we create events like this, it’s a coming together of cultures, it’s a coming together of ages and genders and ideas and connecting with the lands here,” said Métis Nation BC's Kari-Anne Barr at the 2025 National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration event on campus. Read the full story and see photo highlights.

As we celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 on the Lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, attendees reflected on what the day means to them and what makes it such an important gathering.

National Indigenous Peoples Month 2024: President Philip Steenkamp joins Emerging Indigenous Scholars Chair Shauneen Pete and Campus Patrol Officer Stanley Chipps to raise the Canadian Indigenous flag on the traditional Lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. 

Nolan Thomas, Max Henry Jr., Max Henry Sr. and the Ocean Spirit Family talk about carrying on the tradition and culture of paddling.

Lekwungen Knowledge Keeper Clarence "Butch" Dick Yux'wey'lupton and Royal Roads University Director of Indigenous Engagement Asma-na-hi Antoine talk about the origins and growth of the canoe landing protocol and challenge.

Cultural Director of the Métis Nation of Greater Victoria Jo-Ina Young takes us on a historical tour of a Métis trappers tent.

Scia'new Elder Henry Chips and Raymond (Rick) Peter Sit-a-luk (Khowutzun) are Role Models for Sooke School District 62. They share a few sacred uses of the Cedar tree to Indigenous Peoples of the West Coast.