Latest News

Items used in a traditional smudging ceremony.

Photo courtesy City of Richmond

Richmond events mark National Indigenous Peoples Day

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 10:55 PDT, Fri June 18, 2021

Last Updated: 11:01 PDT, Fri June 18, 2021

—

The City of Richmond encourages everyone to participate in activities taking place in Richmond for National Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday.

“National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to pause, reflect and learn about our rich indigenous history,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “It is a day to honour the history, heritage and valuable contributions of the vibrant and diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and to work together to build greater awareness and respect.”

Several online activities are taking place in Richmond to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day:

Atheana Picha Artist Talk

Ongoing through June 22

Video link: https://youtu.be/4iXHFTIkrLw

Local Indigenous artist Atheana Picha speaks about her art practice, influence and mentors. This video was created as part of the artist's engagement activity with students from Tomekichi Homma Elementary School, where she is currently working on a mural that explores themes of local Indigenous stories and community connections.

Smudging Ceremony

Launching on June 21

Video link: www.richmondmuseum.ca/doors-open-videos/

Learn about the sacred smudging ceremony traditionally performed by Indigenous peoples across North America. Discover the two plants referred to as medicines that are often used for smudging and some key insights behind the ceremony.

First Stories: Tales from Turtle Island

Launching on June 21

Podcast link: https://anchor.fm/firststories

Hear the voices and stories of the original peoples of Turtle Island as told by Indigenous storytellers from across the land. The podcast is presented by Connections Community Services, the Richmond Public Library and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.

Drum Across Kanata

June 21-22

The Indigenous Education Department of the Vancouver School Board (VSB) invites the public to view their virtual Canada-wide Drum Across Kanata event in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day. VSB will share a link to the video recording of this celebration with anyone who would like to view it. To request the link, please email Davita Marsden dmarsden@vsb.bc.ca or Heather Froste hfroste@vsb.bc.ca.

Indigenous Plants and Properties Workshop

June 22, 3:45-5:45 p.m.

Join Métis herbalist and educator Lori Snyder for a workshop that celebrates Indigenous culture and teaches stewardship for the land we live on. The workshop is presented by Hamilton Community Association and is suitable for all ages. Registration is required. Register through the Call Centre at 604-276-4300 or www.richmond.ca/register (Course ID 90702) to receive the Zoom link.

Online Storytimes

June 21-25

Richmond Public Library’s online storytimes will feature picture books by Indigenous authors. For more information and how to register, visit the library’s event calendar at https://bit.ly/3zhGsgr.

StoryWalk: Orca Chief

June 24

Richmond Public Library—Brighouse branch

Take a trip to the forest for a surprising journey from beginning to end. Read a traditional northwest coast legend about caring for the sea and its inhabitants as well as sustainable fishing. Orca Chief is the story of four hunters who encounter the Chief of the Killer Whales by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd. Event takes place rain or shine. Self-led StoryWalks® will be staggered by household. Parent participation is required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3zhGsgr.

To learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day, visit the Government of Canada website at www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013248/1534872397533