June is National Indigenous History Month, and as a region rich in Secwépemc culture stretching back some 10,000 years, Kamloopsians are invited to celebrate.
“Throughout June, we invite our community to learn, listen and celebrate alongside us as we honour the Secwépemc people and the generations who have cared for these lands since time immemorial,” Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc shares.
“Kukwstsétsemc to all those who continue to preserve and share our culture, language and traditions with future generations.”
So how can you participate and support local events and celebrations, both in person and from home? Check out these events and resources to join.
National Indigenous People’s Day Celebration June 21
On Sunday June 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with singing, drumming, dancing, jigging and more at this free family-friendly full day event.
This year’s celebration is hosted by Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc in collaboration with the City of Kamloops, Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, Two Rivers Métis Society, ASK Wellness Society and Lii Michif Otipemisiwak.
It will be hosted at the Powwow Arbour. The City of Kamloops is offering free transit all day to the event.
Summer solstice ceremony
At 6 a.m. on June 21, those wishing to participate in a summer solstice ceremony for the healing of Secwépemc communities can meet at the Qwemtsín Health Society, finishing with a 10:30 a.m. breakfast at Chief Louis Centre Assembly Hall.
For more information, contact Annie Leonard at annie.leonard@tes.ca or 778-362-1515.
45th Annual Kamloopa Powwow — June 26–28
Join one of the largest powwows in Western Canada, and expect more than 500 dancers over three days from June 26-28 at the beautiful Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Special Events Facility, known as the Arbour.
Everyone is welcome to take in the grand entries, dance competitions, regalia, drummers and delicious food from across Turtle Island at the Kamloopa Powwow Society’s 45th annual event,
Tickets available at the gate. Want to know what Kamloopa Powwow is all about? Check out The Wren’s coverage last year.
More ways to learn during Indigenous History Month
- Watch Indigenous programming on CBC
- Review your cultural competency with a checklist from Indigenous Corporate Training
- Read about the history of this region with The Wren’s History at the Confluence email series, which includes a story about the 1910 Memorial of the Interior Chiefs to Sir Wilfrid Laurier and the fight for justice.
- Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website for publications, exhibits, education resources and more.
- Take a free online course from the University of Alberta about the histories and perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada.
- Listen to this eight-episode podcast series by CBC’s Duncan McCue about Kuper Island Residential School.
- Check out some books to decolonize your grown-up bookshelf, or these books for your teen bookshelf.
- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission describes Canada’s current foster care system as a continuation of the residential school system. Read stories from the Spotlight Child Welfare collective to learn more.
More ways to support during Indigenous History Month
- Donate to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Support local businesses by reading The Wren’s Indigenous-made gift guide
- From now until Aug. 30 excluding long weekends, check out the Ḱwséltkten Farmers’ & Artisans Market Sunday’s from 9 a.m. to 1:30 pm at 520-185 Chief Eli Larue Way.
- Check out more businesses at the new Chief Louis Crossing development, like Scoopz Ice Cream.
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