Indigenous History Month

June commemorates Indigenous History Month in Canada.

Join in acknowledging the history, heritage, resilience, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. All are welcome to participate in the month’s events and learning.

We respectfully acknowledge the Syilx Okanagan Nation and their peoples, in whose traditional, ancestral, unceded territory UBC Okanagan is situated. Learn about Indigenous Engagement at UBC Okanagan.

The Government of Canada recognizes June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day.

UBC Okanagan Events

What is National Indigenous Peoples Day?
June 2, 2026, from 11 am to 12 noon in the Fipke Centre (FIP)

An information session that highlights the significance and history behind why we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day/National Indigenous History Month in Canada.

Indigenous Atlas Open House: Celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ History in Canada
June 8, 2026, from 10 am to 1 pm in the University Centre (UNC) Ballroom

An enormous 25-by-35-foot Indigenous territorial map of what we now call Canada will be on display for viewing and further learning about the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples and relevant historical events.

Canada Sports Hall of Fame: Celebrating Indigenous Sports Heroes with Ted Nolan
June 11, 2026, from 9 to 10 am in the Fipke Centre (FIP)

This is a 45-minute national livestream featuring Hall of Famer Ted Nolan, moderated by Scott Russell. Nolan will share stories from his journey as an athlete, coach, and advocate, exploring themes of resilience, cultural identity, and leadership.

Saints and Warriors film screening
June 16, 2026, from 2 to 4 pm in the University Centre (UNC) – UBCSUO Theatre

Saints and Warriors follows the Saints as they defend their championship at the 2024 tournament, even as a new wave of young challengers rises from the Lower Mainland.

Featured Community Events

na’ʔk’ʷulamən (what we do): syilx Traditional Plant Use Walking Tour
June 14 and 27, 2026, 10 am – 12 pm at the Laurel Packinghouse, 1304 Ellis Street, Kelowna

The Okanagan landscape is a mosaic of biodiversity. For generations, the syilx people have lived in reciprocal relationship with this land, stewarding an intricate knowledge of native flora. From sustenance and traditional medicine to structural materials and even natural aromatics, the utility of these plants is as vast as the terrain itself.

Annual imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
June 8 to 14, 2026, online

Join in celebrating the festival’s milestone 25th anniversary. Purchase your online pass and experience Indigenous storytelling through film and video streaming.

Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society’s annual Turtle Island Festival
June 21, 2026, 10 am – 7pm on the 400-500 Block of Leon Avenue, Kelowna

This year’s Turtle Island Festival includes crafts, food, entertainment, a Grand Entry and dancers, and tons of amazing Indigenous vendors. Everyone is welcome.

Kamloopa Powwow 2026
June 26 to 28, 2026 at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Special Events Facility (the Arbour), 345 Powwow Trail, Kamloops

Come together to honour culture and enjoy drumming, dancing, food, and shopping at Indigenous artisan vendor booths. Everyone is welcome to join this three-day celebration of Indigenous culture within Secwepemcúl’ecw, hosted by Kamloopa Powwow Society.

Siyaten Festival
June 20, 2026 at Westbank First Nation Pavilion

A family-friendly event with cultural performances, live music, traditional dancing drumming and a special Indigenous puppet show by DerRic Starlight. The festival also includes an Indigenous Vendors Marked along with consession and food trucks.

Looking for UBC Vancouver Indigenous History Month events or resources? Visit events.ubc.ca/indigenous-history-month