National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations around Lower Mainland

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated in Canada since 1996 as a way to honour the culture and traditions of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.

In Vancouver, the third annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Block Party Celebration kicks off at noon.

“Throughout the day, enjoy dynamic performances from Indigenous artists, explore cultural sharing activities, visit community organization tables, and check out the Vendor Village,” event organizers said.

“This event is open to everyone—come and be part of a day filled with culture, community, and celebration.”

Other events across the Lower Mainland:

• Burnaby: a free family event at 6100 Willingdon Avenue will run from 3 to 7 p.m. featuring storytelling, live music, and an Indigenous artisans market.

• Surrey: a Celebration and Wellness Event hosted by the sǝmyámǝ (Semiahmoo), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), and q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen) First Nations will run from 2:45 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale at 17728 64th Avenue.

• West Vancouver: a family event is planned at Ambleside Park, featuring activities on the beach, live music, and a salmon dinner cooked over an open fire. This will run from 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

• New Westminster: an event at Moody Park will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., hosted by the city, the Spirit of the Children Society, and the Qayqayt First Nation.

Similar celebrations are planned across Canada, notably a large youth event hosted by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Prime Minister Mark Carney is taking part in a closed event.

The Empowering the Past, Embracing the Present, Uplifting the Future: Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration starts at noon and will run until 6 p.m. outside the Carnegie Community Centre at 401 Main Street. Main has been closed between East Hastings and East Pender for the event.

— With a file from The Canadian Press.