National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21

National Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly National Aboriginal Day) is celebrated June 21st each year in Canada. This day is to recognize and celebrate the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada.
The VSTA acknowledges that we work and live on the unceded and ancestral lands of the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Helpful Resources

VSTA Indigenous Education Committee page
BCTF “Choosing and Using Indigenous Film Resources in the Classroom” link
History of the proclamation link
City of Vancouver website for local events, resources, and more
Resources for Indigenous Peoples via City of Vancouver
- Saa’ust Centre, brought to life by the Urban Indigenous Peoples’ Advisory Committee’s community, is an oasis for families and survivors affected by the national inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)
- First Nations Health Authority provides culturally safe and trauma-informed cultural, emotional, and mental health services to Indigenous people in BC.
- Kuu-Us Crisis Line Society provides crisis services for Indigenous people across BC. Adults and Elders can call 250-723-4050 for support; youth can call 250-723-2040. A toll-free number is available at 1-800-588-8717.
- At Vancouver Public Library’s Connection to Kith and Kin , experts help Indigenous participants search online records for family documents. Searching can be an emotional experience. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society has provided a Resolution Health Support Worker to join the participants during their journey.