Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with VCC
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada and June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day - a time to honour and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada.
On June 16, the VCC Indigenous Education and Community Engagement (IECE) team will host a celebration for National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Broadway Campus. The afternoon will feature spoken word performances, dance, music, and cedar brushing, along with catering from Big City Bannock (available while supplies last). All members of the VCC community are invited to take part in this afternoon of learning, celebration, and connection.
When: Tuesday June 16, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Event Space B (Broadway Campus)
Opening:
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
IECE Greetings and Land Acknowledgement
Clay Little, Associate Director, Indigenous Education & Community Engagement
Elders Welcome and Blessing
VCC Elder In-Residence Jean Wasegijig
VCC Presential Welcome
Ajay Patel
Welcome from the Dean, Indigenous Initiatives
Jessie Williams
Métis Finger Weaving with Elder Lorelei Lyons
12 – 2 p.m.
Lorelai will teach participants how to finger weave using the Métis technique and the importance of intertwining culture with the modern day.
Spoken word and singing with Russell Wallace
12 -12:15 p.m.
Russell Wallace is an award-winning composer, producer and traditional singer from the Stʼatʼimc and Lil’wat Nation. Wallace received a Leo Award for best music for a documentary and received the Lieutenant Governor’s Art and Music Award in 2022.
Traditional Coast Salish song and dance with Coastal Wolf Pack
12:15 - 12:35 p.m.
Coastal Wolf Pack consists of over 25 members of a single family, from 6 months old to over 50. Members represent the following Coast Salish communities: Musqueam, Squamish, Tsartlip, Nanaimo and more. This breadth of membership along with the multigenerational performers gives their audiences a sense of belonging to this, the hereditary lands of the Coast Salish people.
Coast Salish dance with TWN Warriors
12:35 - 12:55 p.m.
A Coast Salish Dance Group that celebrates the rich culture and history of the Tsleil-Waututh Peoples of Burrard Inlet.
Music with DJ O Show
1 - 2 p.m.
DJ O Show brings 15 years of experience to the industry, dedicating herself to her passion and chiselling out her niche as an Afro-Indigenous female Hip Hop and R&B DJ in Vancouver.
Cedar brushing
12 – 2 p.m.
Rebecca Duncan, a Squamish Nation Knowledge Keeper, will offer cedar brushing in Room 1228B.
We're dedicated to meaningful and sustained action to decolonize and Indigenize our programs, spaces, attitudes, and practices. Learn more about VCC’s commitment to Indigenization through our Strategic Innovation Plan.