June 17, 2019, Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. The summer solstice, and the longest day of the year, it is the traditional time for Indigenous Peoples to celebrate their diverse culture.
To commemorate the occasion, there will be celebrations from coast to coast to coast showcasing the unique heritage of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples.
Here are six events Canadians and visitors can check out:
British Columbia
From dancing and singing performances, to a friendship walk to Trout Lake, to a traditional Powwow, and a variety of food vendors, National Indigenous Peoples Day at Trout Lake offers something for everyone. The event is put on by the Vancouver National Indigenous Day Organizing Committee (NIDOC).
Ontario
On June 20th, the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival kicks off in Ottawa. The three-day festival is a family-orientated arts festival, attracting more than 40,000 visitors each year. Two of the main features of the festival are the competition Pow Wow, and the mouth-watering Indigenous culinary events.
Quebec
The Canadian Museum of History is hosting National Indigenous History Month, during June. Borrow a portable music player and listen to Indigibeats – an Indigenous music playlist, while you explore the various Indigenous exhibitions at the museum.
Newfoundland and Labrador
This maritime province embraces National Indigenous Day with full force, with celebrations in multiple cities. The largest of the festivities taking part in the capital of St. John’s, starting on Monday, June 17th and running the entire week until Saturday, June 22nd.
Northwest Territories
Starting June 21st, Inuvik hosts Midnight Madness. Three days of music, food, events, and a midnight market. Also, on June 22nd is the Midnight Sun Fun Run, a 5km, 10km, half marathon and new this year, Sprint Triathlon.
Multiple cities
Taking part in Winnipeg, Calgary, and Whitehorse, is Indigenous Day Live, Canada’s largest event held for National Indigenous Peoples Day. People are also able to watch the cultural activities, and musical performances online.
“National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day to celebrate Indigenous culture that is thriving in Canada,” says Keith Henry, president and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). “Each event across the country showcases Indigenous heritage, and the Indigenous people that make up Canada.”
Please contact Jenna Hickman if you would like to arrange an interview with a spokesperson from ITAC in your region.
-30-
About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada: The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is the lead organization tasked with growing the Indigenous tourism industry across the country. Inspired by a vision for a thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable and enriching experiences, ITAC develops relationships with other groups and regions with similar mandates. By uniting the Indigenous tourism industry in Canada, ITAC works to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous cultural tourism businesses in a respectful protocol. With Indigenous tourism outpacing Canadian tourism activity overall and international demand for Indigenous experiences at an all-time high, ITAC recently updated its five year plan. To view packages and experiences available visit www.IndigenousCanada.Travel. For more information on ITAC visit www.IndigenousTourism.ca
Media contact:
Jenna Hickman, Beattie Tartan, 250-800-1198 (o), 250-514-3480 (c), or Jenna.Hickman@BeattieGroup.com