National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to reflect on and learn about the histories, cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada. This month-long observance aims to promote awareness and recognize the significant contributions Indigenous communities have made throughout the history of this land and continue to make in communities across Canada.
National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated on June 21 to coincide with the summer solstice, recognizes and celebrates Indigenous cultures, traditions and contributions. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Indigenous Peoples and reaffirm our commitment to truth and reconciliation.
The City, together with community partners, is offering a variety of events and activities throughout June that highlight Indigenous stories, art, music and traditions. Residents of all ages are invited to participate in workshops, storytelling sessions and other programs that encourage learning, reflection and celebration.
Activities this month include the following (most require pre-registration):
Tue, Jun 2 - Indigenous Author Series: An Afternoon of Stories with Monique Gray Smith
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.
Richmond Public Library - Ironwood
1:00-2:00pm
Tue, Jun 2 - Indigenous Author Series: Sharing the Light – Stories and Reflections with Monique Gray Smith
Join Monique Gray Smith for an evening of storytelling and reflection inspired by her book Sharing the Light. Through the readings and discussion, participants will explore themes of healing, connection and personal growth. This free program is intended for adults. Registration required through the Richmond Public Library.
Richmond Public Library - Brighouse, 2nd floor Program Room
6:30-7:30pm
Sun, Jun 7 - Cedar: Tree of Life Workshop
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.
Richmond Cultural Centre Annex - History Lab
10:30–11:30am | 1:00–2:00pm | 3:00–4:00pm
Sun, Jun 7 - Impressions of the Land – Printmaking Workshop
Explore the art of lino block printing through texture, pattern and nature-inspired design in this hands-on workshop suited to all experience levels. Participants will develop carving and inking skills, experiment with expressive techniques, and create original prints to take home. Supplies are included. Instructed by Talaysay Tours. This free program is open to all experience levels. Register at richmond.ca/register (Course ID: 00527925).
Hamilton Community Centre - Multipurpose Room 3
12:15-1:15pm
Sun, Jun 7 - Indigenous Authors Series: Writing the Everyday – Journaling as a Creative Practice
Explore journaling as a creative practice with author Selina Boan. Through guided prompts and reflection, participants will develop new ideas and deepen their creative voice and explore everyday experiences through writing. This free program is intended for adults. Registration required through the Richmond Public Library.
Richmond Public Library - Brighouse, Community Place
2:00-3:30pm
Tue, Jun 9 - Film Club: Siksikakowan – The Blackfoot Man
Join the Richmond Public Library for a screening of Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man. Filmmaker Sinakson Trevor Solway presents a thoughtful and intimate exploration of Indigenous masculinity through this film. This free program is intended for adults. Registration required through the Richmond Public Library. Popcorn will be served.
Richmond Public Library - Brighouse, Community Place
6:00-8:00pm
Thu, Jun 11- Musqueam Stories - Cedar Coasters Workshop
Craft beautiful cedar weaving coasters while exploring traditional teachings and learning about the history and artistic practices in this engaging and welcoming workshop. Gain cultural insight, create a meaningful keepsake and enjoy a fun experience rooted in community. Supplies included. This free program is intended for seniors 55+. Register at richmond.ca/register (Course ID: 00529586)
Minoru Centre for Active Living
10:00-11:00am
Sat, Jun 13 - Indigenous Author Series: Where to Begin? Processes of Design and Discovery in Fiction
Join author Selina Boan for a generative writing workshop exploring techniques to begin writing fiction, develop ideas and embrace creativity. Through guided prompts and reflection, participants will explore voice and storytelling approaches. This free program is intended for adults. Registration required through the Richmond Public Library.
Richmond Public Library - Brighouse, 2nd floor Program Room
6:00-8:00pm
Sun, Jun 14 - Three Strand Cedar Bracelet
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.
City Centre Community Centre – Multipurpose Room 4
10:00am-noon
Sun, Jun 14 - Currents of Culture - Scavenger Hunt
Join us for an interactive scavenger hunt exploring traditional fish harvesting and preservation practices in Indigenous communities. Participants will learn how fish are caught, cleaned, smoked and stored, practices that have sustained Indigenous Peoples for generations and continue to hold cultural and economic significance today. Along the way, guests will learn the important role fishing plays in Indigenous culture, community and trade, including how smoked and preserved fish remain valued products within many Indigenous communities. This hands-on activity offers an engaging way to connect with Indigenous knowledge, traditions and food practices. This is a free drop-in program for all ages. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
Watermania Aquatic Centre
2:00-4:00pm
Sat, Jun 20 - Natural Dyes from the Land
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.
Richmond Cultural Centre – Fabric Arts Studio
10:00am-4:00pm
Sun, Jun 21 - Artist Talk with Lyndsay McIntyre
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.
Richmond Cultural Centre – Theatre Under the Stairs
2:00pm
Sun, Jun 21 - National Indigenous Peoples Day
City Centre Celebrates Soccer
Join the City Centre Community Association for a celebration of soccer and Indigenous culture featuring interactive activities and learning opportunities for all ages. Participants can experience cedar weaving, Indigenous food offerings including Bannock, soccer-themed activities, a soccer dart board, and arts and crafts. This free program is intended for all ages. No registration required.
Garden City Community Park
5:00-8:00pm
Tue, Jun 23 - Indigenous Author Series: An Evening with Julian Brave NoiseCat
Experience the “Coyote Story,” a traditional Indigenous storytelling form, brought to life by writer, filmmaker and storyteller Julian Brave NoiseCat. Through song, dance, and oratory, this performance shares one of the oldest oral traditions in the Americas. This free program is intended for adults. Registration required through the Richmond Public Library.
Richmond Cultural Centre – Theatre Under the Stairs
7:00-8:30pm
Ongoing
Cedar: Tree Of Life Take-Home Activity Kit
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with a family-friendly take-home activity kit from the Richmond Museum, which explores the cedar tree and its significance for many First Peoples. Special access to video content created by Musqueam weaver Vivian Mearns Notaro will guide participants in weaving their own cedar bracelet using the materials provided. Each kit includes supplies for two children. This program is intended for children ages 6 to 12. Activity kits are free. Limited quantities available. Register at richmond.ca/register (Course ID: 00516651).
Kits will be available for pick up at the Richmond Cultural Centre Annex (7660 Minoru Gate) from June 16 to 21.
Mon to Fri: 9:00am-9:00pm
Sat and Sun: 10:00am-5:00pm
Visit the Government of Canada website for more information about National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.