Celebrate National Indigenous History Month in Vancouver
Image by: Lise Savard
June 1st marks the start of National Indigenous History Month. And while Indigenous history deserves to be in the spotlight year-round, we recommend using this month as a starting off point for your educational and cultural journey. Indigenous Tourism BC has scheduled several events throughout the month of June to teach Canadians about various aspects of Indigenous culture, from food and wine to art and wellness. Keep reading to discover three ways to celebrate Indigenous History Month in Vancouver.
TASTING OF INDIGENOUS CULTURES
Tasting of Indigenous Cultures is a special food and wine event taking place virtually on June 15th from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm. This unique workshop will guide viewers through the rich history of Indigenous food and beverages. The event will be hosted by Paul Natrall, a second-generation chef and owner of Vancouver’s Indigenous food truck, Mr. Bannock, and Ryan Widdup, manager and sommelier of the Okanagan’s Indigenous World Winery. Over the course of an hour, participants will learn how to make bannock and about the practices behind Indigenous winemaking. This event is free to attend and is sponsored by Daily Hive and Destination BC.
CELEBRATE LIVING INDIGENOUS ART AND CULTURE
A second free event happening this month is called Celebrate Living Indigenous Art and Culture. It’s taking place on June 17th between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm and gives guests the chance to learn about art, culture, and connection to the land from Indigenous cultural ambassadors. This event will take viewers on a virtual journey to the U’mista Cultural Centre in Albert Bay, BC, where you will learn about the historical and cultural significance of the Potlatches, as well as other practices like cedar weaving, song, and dance.
HONOURING WELLNESS
Finally, on June 22nd from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm is another interactive virtual workshop called Honouring Wellness. As you may have guessed, this event will introduce viewers to authentic Indigenous wellness practices. Frank Antoine, co-founder of the Okanagan’s Moccasin Trails, and Dennis Thomas of Takaya Tours are hosting the event and will also be educating viewers on the colonization of Indigenous wellness practices, such as the use of sage.
Celebate and honour the Indigenous peoples of Canada by participating in National Indigenous History Month. And if you’re travelling to Vancouver this summer, we’d love to host you at the Hotel BLU Vancouver, Vancouver’s premier hotel.