National Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples Day

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Honouring National Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples Day

June 1st marks the beginning of Indigenous History Month.

As Indigenous peoples, we honour our selves, families, communities, lands, and cultures daily.  This June and every month, we honour the missing children, the families left behind, and survivors of the residential schools. We walk gently and encourage education and exploration about the rich and diverse cultures of #IndigenousBC.

We have dedicated this month to highlight stories, special events and virtual workshops from some of the 200+ unique Indigenous communities in British Columbia. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for a month-long calendar of educational content from all over #IndigenousBC to inspire and inform you of the many learning opportunities available.

National Indigenous Peoples Day, takes place on June 21 and coincides with the summer solstice and the beginning of a season of berry picking and fishing, powwows, and gatherings for the diverse Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Traditionally, there are significant gatherings in communities all across BC – parades, dancing, music, festivals, and food. While restrictions are easing, we continue to prioritize Indigenous community travel restrictions, limitations on social gatherings, and BC’s (careful) Restart Plan. 

For now we invite you to join us virtually and learn about Indigenous cultures and experiences in British Columbia:

Watch virtual workshops in honour of National Indigenous History Month and Peoples Day

Indigenous Tourism BC is looking forward to hosting a series of free immersive and educational virtual workshops anchored by themes of food and beverage, arts and culture, and wellness.

We invite  viewers worldwide to join us as we highlight Indigenous chefs, sommeliers, tour guides, culture keepers, and storytellers.

A Tasting of Indigenous Cultures

An immersive exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in BC. Learn how to make authentic bannock from home and learn about the history and practices behind Indigenous wine.
WATCH RECORDING

Celebrating Living Indigenous Arts & Culture

Learn about the history and cultural significance of Potlatches as well as the artistic practices of cedar weaving, song and dance. Enjoy stories about harvesting traditional foods, wildlife, petroglyphs and much more.
WATCH RECORDING

Honouring Wellness

Restore your spirit through an exploration of Indigenous wellness rituals.
WATCH RECORDING

Respect Indigenous community calls for distancing

Many Indigenous communities have set their own guidelines. Follow their local travel recommendations to protect Indigenous elders, children, resources, and lands this summer. Indigenous communities know best what is needed for the safety and well-being of Indigenous Peoples, lands, and cultures. Show solidarity by respecting Indigenous law.

Visit Responsibly

Support your Indigenous Tourism BC local economy.

Bring your celebration close to home and dedicate yourself to learning more about the land you live on. Enjoy every leaf and inch of sky in your community with friends and family. Support open Indigenous businesses and tourism operators in the territory you live in. Download the Indigenous Tourism BC app to find your local Indigenous Tourism operators and pay a visit to those whose doors are open.

Indigenous Experiences Open in 2020

Support Indigenous digital economies.

Resourceful Indigenous restaurateurs serve their patrons with new menu options, online orders, delivery service, and creative virtual dining events. Shop online for Indigenous fashion, food, wine, and art and show your support for Indigenous artists, business owners, and land keepers. Browse virtual shops for gifts that connect you to the Indigenous lands, cultures, and hosts. 

Learn More

Join a virtual gathering.

With powwows and summer gatherings cancelled, the act of coming together has gone digital. Online conferencing and streaming tools make socially distanced powwows and drum sessions possible, and new strategies to connect and share knowledge emerge daily. Take part in a virtual celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day.

Explore online educational tools.

Spend a day devoted to learning more about the history, culture, and language of the keepers of the land you live on. First Voices offers online language learning tools and mobile apps with a comprehensive collection of greetings and introductory phrases from Indigenous communities around BC. Enhance homeschooling and increase your child’s capacity for cultural understanding and empathy with resources that explore Indigenous perspectives on contemporary curriculum content.

Discover Indigenous art online.

Indigenous literature, film, music, and art are precious resources that relate the knowledge and experience of Indigenous artists. Browse Indigenous collections hosted by museums in BC. Explore #IndigenousReads for recommendations on your next read or search free collections of Indigenous film online.

National Indigenous Peoples Day Events

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Nk'Mip Cellars

indigenous culture, wineries & wine tours

indigenous culture, wineries & wine tours

At NkMip Cellars, we are the dedicated guardians of a proud legacy. As the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America, we are inspired to express our culture in everything we do. Our Winery itself is a bold celebration and strong reflection of our commitment to authenticity and deep respect for our colourful past. We extend an invitation to discover, not only the international award-wining wines we produce, but also the relentless spirit and remarkable history that inspire them.

Thompson Okanagan

Osoyoos

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House of Himwitsa Native Art Gallery

hotels, indigenous culture

hotels, indigenous culture

Himwitsa Lodge is located in the downtown core of Tofino, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, near the end of the Trans Canada Highway. Tofino is a beautiful rural town that is situated in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve as well as the United Nations World Biosphere Reserve. During peak season, the small town of Tofino boasts tourists from all over the world, hence the recommendation of reserving accommodations in Tofino for your stay. The Himwitsa lodging in Tofino, presents a great location, fabulous breathtaking sunset views over Vargas Island and great rates! We have 4 suites available that suits every need to relax and enjoy the town of Tofino; whether you're on your honeymoon, on a weekend getaway in Tofino or travelling with family! We have three studio-styled suites that have a 180-degree view, and two apartment-styled suites that have a 90-degree view that overlooks the bustling harbour of Tofino. Moreover, four suites come with an outdoor seating area on your own private balcony! All rooms are equipped with a full bathroom, kitchenettes, TV, free wifi, and parking. On the edge of the West Coast in Tofino, Himwitsa Lodge is only minutes away from all the local shops, Tonquin Beach, tours for hot springs cove, whale watching, bear watching, kayaking and surfing. Don't want to waste travel time? Fly in from Vancouver, BC via seaplane and land right next to us! *Please note: Hot tubs are no longer available.

Vancouver Island

Tofino

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