The City of Richmond is recognizing National Indigenous History Month in June and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 with a variety of community events and activities that celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada.
National Indigenous History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on and deepen understanding of Indigenous histories and experiences in Canada. National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated annually on June 21, honours the diverse cultures, voices and achievements of Indigenous Peoples. The date coincides with the summer solstice, which holds cultural significance for many Indigenous communities.
In partnership with Community Associations and Societies, the Richmond Public Library and other community organizations, the City will offer programs throughout the month that highlight Indigenous stories, art, music and traditions. Residents of all ages are encouraged to participate in workshops, storytelling sessions and other activities that support learning, reflection and celebration of Indigenous cultures.
Some activities this month include the following (most require pre-registration):
Indigenous Author Series: An Afternoon of Stories with Monique Gray Smith
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 1:00–2:00pm
Richmond Public Library – Ironwood
Join Cree and Scottish author Monique Gray Smith for an afternoon of storytelling and conversation. She will share her journey as a writer, discuss her children’s books and read from her latest work Kohkum’s First Drum. Her stories offer wisdom, hope and the teaching that love is medicine. This free program is intended for students in grades 3 to 6. Limited public registration available through the Richmond Public Library.
Cedar: Tree of Life Workshop
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 10:30–11:30am | 1:00–2:00pm | 3:00–4:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre Annex – History Lab
Join Musqueam weaver Vivian Mearns Notaro for a hands-on cedar weaving workshop exploring the cultural importance of cedar, including how it is harvested, prepared and used. Participants will create their own twined cedar bark bracelet while learning traditional weaving techniques. This free program is intended for children ages 6 to 12 and families. Parent participation is required. Offered as part of Doors Open Richmond. Register at richmond.ca/register for each session: 10:30–11:30am (Course ID: 00506450), 1:00–2:00pm (Course ID: 00506454) and 3:00–4:00pm (Course ID: 00506456). Limited spaces available.
Artist Talk with Lyndsay McIntyre
Thursday, June 11, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Richmond Cultural Centre – Theatre Under the Stairs
In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Inuit and settler filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist Lyndsay McIntyre will present selections from her short documentaries, experimental films and expanded cinema works. She will share insight into her hands-on, process-based practice, including creating 16mm film using handmade silver gelatin emulsion. Her work explores portraiture, place, and the experiences of urban Inuit communities. This free program is recommended for ages 16 and up. RSVP is encouraged. Light refreshments will be provided.
Three Strand Cedar Bracelet
Sunday, June 14, 2026, 10:00am–noon
City Centre Community Centre – Multipurpose Room 4
Learn traditional Coast Salish cedar weaving techniques in this workshop. Using locally harvested cedar prepared by the Indigenous artist, participants will create a unique three strand bracelet to take home. Supplies are included. This program is intended for all ages. Register at richmond.ca/register (Course ID: 00493161). Cost is $20.00 plus tax.
Natural Dyes from the Land
Saturday, June 20, 2026, 10:00am–4:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre – Fabric Arts Studio
Explore traditional textile dyeing practices in this hands-on workshop focused on developing natural dyes using local plants. Led by Musqueam Coast Salish artists Rita Kompst and Zoe Kompst, participants will create their own dyed yarn and a sample dye chart to take home. Supplies are included. This program is for ages 19 and up. Registration is required at richmond.ca/register (Course ID: 00491539). Cost is $275 plus tax. Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) participants may register free of charge by calling 604-247-8324. Limited spaces available.
For a complete list of activities and events in Richmond, visit richmond.ca/NIHM.
Visit the Government of Canada website for more information about National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.