National Indigenous Peoples Day 2026 celebration

Partners and co-hosts from across the region invite you to join us to honour National Indigenous Peoples Month throughout June and for a National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration event Friday, June 19, 2026.

We are grateful to gather on the traditional Lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations to celebrate NIPD.

Schedule of events

10 a.m.

• LekwungenTraditional Dancers and Singers performance at shore stage.

10:30 a.m.

• Welcome ceremony, traditional welcome and opening remarks on the shore stage
• Opening Prayer

10:40 a.m.

• Traditional canoe landing protocol practice on the shore of the Esquimalt Lagoon led by Lekwungen (Songhees Nation) Elder Butch Dick

12 p.m.

• Field stage opens for performances:
  • Joyful Jiggers with Calvin Cairns
  • Esquimalt Singers and Dancers
  • Nate Harris
  • Zero Whonnock
  • Ahousaht Drummers and Singers
• Traditional plant walk on Charlie’s Trail along Colwood Creek with Cowichan Elder Kenneth Elliott

All day

• Canoe challenges
• Children’s field games (Ultimate and Golf Canada)
• Lahal Game Demonstration
• Children’s craft tent
• Frybread station
• Food trucks (food & beverages for purchase)
• Vendors market, partner displays and more!

2:45 p.m.

• Closing ceremony

Let’s join together all month to enjoy Indigenous heritage, culture, food and music, activities and opportunities for connection.

Hay’sxw’qa si’em, ƛ̓eeko ƛ̓eeko, heartfelt thanks to the Elders/Old Ones/Knowledge Keepers and all the partners, vendors and suppliers who make these events possible.