National Indigenous People’s Day takes place on June 21st. It is celebrated in communities all around Metro Vancouver including in the City of Maple Ridge. The City of Maple Ridge is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations.
Hosted by the Fraser River Indigenous Society, The National Indigenous People’s Day event at the Memorial Peace Park is a celebration of First Nations culture. The event on Saturday, June 17th, so a few days before the official day, was begans with the opening ceremonies at 10:00 am with local dignitaries. There there is an official welcome and greeting, a few speeches and blessings. There was also singing and dancing.
Also at the event there participated a number of artisan vendors selling Indigenous art, crafts and other items.