National Indigenous Peoples Day
June is National Indigenous History Month. We take the time to honour the history and recognize the strength of Indigenous people
in Canada today.
Many celebratory events will happen throughout the month as well as on June 21, 2021, National Indigenous Peoples Day. Events are open to the public and are created to share indigenous culture and history. It is a very exciting time of year where we can experience traditions, listen to stories and take part in celebrations.
In light of the recent findings of the 215 remains found at the Kamloops Indian Residential School, this is
a sensitive time for Indigenous communities. While you enjoy this very special day in the community,
take the time to acknowledge the pain and suffering inflicted on Indigenous people and how to be an
ally moving forward.
Downtown
The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society is hosting their annual Turtle Island Festival by holding an “Honour our
215+”event to honour the children who were found at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. The event
is open to the public and will take place at the Parkinson Recreation Centre from 10am – 3pm.
On the Westside
For the Children Caravan - June 26, 2021 In honour of the 215+ children who never made it home, the syilx Okanagan Nation is hosting a Caravan in unity that will travel from Penticton to the Kamloops Residential Indian School. The Caravan will be arriving in Westbank at 9:50am stopping at the Westbank First Nation Government Office for new additions.
Grizzli Art Gallery: tmixw - That Which Gives Life
Grizzli Winery is hosting an art gallery featuring local syilx artists.
Local syilx artist and WFN Member, Coralee Miller will have her works featured at the event. Coralee uses her artwork to look deeper into syilx cultural values and bridge them with modern day understandings. The event opens on June 24, 2021.
Public Art Walk
With spectacular art pieces across Westbank, WFN recommends people take a public art tour. The self-guided tour features 14 installations across Westbank that highlights the work of many indigenous artists.
The full tour takes about 90 minutes, and is a great way to learn about local indigenous culture and history through artwork.
Shop Local Westbank First Nation is also recommending that you shop local by visiting on-reserve businesses. Many businesses on WFN lands take part in National Indigenous Peoples Day by having celebratory sales. The Covid-19 pandemic has been difficult on small businesses and this is a great time to support them.
Bannock Bites Head over to Kekuli café to try their bannock bites, or anything else on the menu. Bannock is a fry bread, popular in indigenous culture and is often made differently among communities.