We acknowledge we are situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Semiahma (Semiahmoo), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) land-based nations.
Visit the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale on June 21 for Surrey’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration & Wellness Event. Hosted by Semiahmoo, Kwantlen and Katzie First Nations, this free, family-friendly event is an opportunity to acknowledge and show respect and admiration for Indigenous Peoples past, present and future; to share cultural history; and to share spirit, experiences, stories, song, art and dance with each other and the community.
Features and Attractions include:
- Dancing and singing
- Sharing and teachings
- Traditional food, including bannock
- Arts exhibits
- Interactive activities and crafts
- Interactive cultural sports activities
- Teepee storytelling and face painting
- Health and wellness service providers.
The event includes cultural sharing from the local First Nations with teachings and practices through art, music, storytelling and dance. In 2024 special guests included:
- XiQuelem (Eugene Harry) – XiQuelem is a member of the Cowichan Tribes. He is a Shaker Church minister in Squamish Nation and works at Vancouver Native Health.
- Salish Thunderbird (Xwelmexw Shxwexwo:s) – Sharing history through song & dance. Xwelmexw Shxwexwo:s hope to electrify audiences with energetic songs & dances to educate the world of the unwritten shared history of their people & heritage.
- Inuit Throat Singing by PIQSIQ – Kayley Inuksuk Mackay and Tiffany Kuliktana Ayalik are Inuit-style throat singers (and sisters) performing ancient traditional songs and eerie new compositions.
- Nadine Gagné –Nadine Gagné is a proud Metis Nation BC Citizen who is one of only a handful of Indigenous artists creating children’s music since 2004. She is also the B.C. Provincial Advisor for Aboriginal-Supported Child Development.
- Candace “Brown Bear Woman” Hill Trevena – author of the autobiographical memoir called, “She Who Wears Moccasins and Carries a Big Stick”
- Stars of the North Drum Group (led by LaDonna Wiks-Joseph name by Wata) – The traditional aboriginal drumming and singing group, “Stars of the North” entertain and educate with songs based on stories told by their elders.
- Métis Jigging by Madelaine McCallum (Sukaskieskwew) – Madelaine McCallum is a dancer from Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan. Though her main focus is Métis dance (she’s been jigging since she could walk!), she enjoys all forms including Pow Wow, contemporary, and hip-hop.
Event Schedule
3:00 – 8:00 pm Full Event
4:00 pm Welcome by Semiahma (Semiahmoo), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nations