We acknowledge we are situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Semiahma (Semiahmoo), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) land-based nations.

Visit the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale on June 21 for Surrey’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration & Wellness Event. Hosted by Semiahmoo, Kwantlen and Katzie First Nations, this free, family-friendly event is an opportunity to acknowledge and show respect and admiration for Indigenous Peoples past, present and future; to share cultural history; and to share spirit, experiences, stories, song, art and dance with each other and the community.

Features and Attractions include:

• Dancing and singing
• Sharing and teachings
• Traditional food, including bannock
• Arts exhibits
• Interactive activities and crafts
• Interactive cultural sports activities
• Teepee storytelling and face painting
• Health and wellness service providers.

Cultural Sharing in Focus

The event includes cultural sharing from the local First Nations with teachings and practices through art, music, storytelling and dance. The 2023 event welcomed the following special guests:

• XiQuelem (Eugene Harry) - XiQuelem is a member of the Cowichan Tribes. He is a Shaker Church minister in Squamish Nation and works at Vancouver Native Health. 
• Salish Thunderbird (Xwelmexw Shxwexwo:s) - Sharing history through song & dance. Xwelmexw Shxwexwo:s hope to electrify audiences with energetic songs & dances to educate the world of the unwritten shared history of their people & heritage.
• Inuit Throat Singing by PIQSIQ - Kayley Inuksuk Mackay and Tiffany Kuliktana Ayalik are Inuit-style throat singers (and sisters) performing ancient traditional songs and eerie new compositions.
• Nadine Gagné -Nadine Gagné is a proud Metis Nation BC Citizen who is one of only a handful of Indigenous artists creating children’s music since 2004. She is also the B.C. Provincial Advisor for Aboriginal-Supported Child Development.
• Candace “Brown Bear Woman” Hill Trevena - author of the autobiographical memoir called, "She Who Wears Moccasins and Carries a Big Stick" 
• Stars of the North Drum Group (led by LaDonna Wiks-Joseph name by Wata) - The traditional aboriginal drumming and singing group, “Stars of the North” entertain and educate with songs based on stories told by their elders.
• Métis Jigging by Madelaine McCallum (Sukaskieskwew) - Madelaine McCallum is a dancer from Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan. Though her main focus is Métis dance (she's been jigging since she could walk!), she enjoys all forms including Pow Wow, contemporary, and hip-hop.

Event Schedule

• 3:00 - 8:00 pm Full Event
• 4:00 pm Welcome by Semiahma (Semiahmoo), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nations

Related Article: Indigenous Culture in Surrey