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

Troubling Times: Traces, Portals and Groundings (exhibition)
May 26 to August 19, 2025 at the FINA Gallery

This exhibition highlights works from The Troublemakers art collective. Artists Peter Morin, Justine Woods and Nicole Neidhardt trace ancestral lines in skin, fabric and light.

Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

What is National Indigenous Peoples Day?
June 4, 2025, at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at Fipke Centre (FIP)

Join Indigenous Programs and Services (IPS) for an information session to understand the significance and history behind why we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day/National Indigenous History Month in Canada.

Indigenous Art Intensive 2025: Jamie Isaac and artist panel with Catherine Blackburn
June 5, 2025, 12–3:30 pm at the University Theatre (ADM 026)

Join us for a keynote address by curator and artist Jaimie Isaac (Anishinaabe-kwe member, Sagkeeng First Nation). At 1:15 pm, Isaac’s keynote will be followed by artist talks and a panel featuring Catherine Blackburn and guests.

Indigenous Art Intensive 2025: Sherry Farrell-Racette and Amber Sandy
June 11, 2025, 12–3:30 pm at the University Theatre (ADM 026)

Join us for a keynote address delivered by Sherry Farell-Racette (Metis, Algonquin, Irish), a distinguished artist and Professor at the University of Regina. Amber Sandy, artist and land-based educator, follows the keynote with an artist talk at 1:30pm. Sandy is a proud member of Neyaashiinigmiing, the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation. Her artistry focuses on leather, beadwork, tufting, and fur.

UBC Relationship with the Host Nation Campus Walk
June 13, 2025, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm starting at Fipke Centre (FIP)

The Okanagan Nation’s history with UBC dates back to the inception of this campus in 2005. Join Indigenous Programs and Services on an interactive journey through the evolving relationship with UBC and the unique programming offered here.

Indigenous Art Intensive 2025: Les Louis and guest (artist TBD)
June 18, 2025, 12–1 pm at the University Theatre (ADM 026)

Join us for this series’ final keynote address, by Okanagan/Shuswap artist Les Louis. His art explores disciplines from drawing, jewelry, photography, painting, ceramics, and traditional techniques.

Indigenous Atlas Open House: Celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ History in Canada
June 20, 2025, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm in Nechako Residence (221), 1255 International Mews, Kelowna, BC, Canada

An enormous, 25-by-35-foot, Indigenous territorial map of what we call Canada will be on display in the Nechako Gathering Room. The atlas presents an opportunity for UBC Okanagan students, faculty and staff to not only view the work, but to learn about the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples and relevant historical events.

A celebration of Indigenous hockey
June 25, 2025, 4 pm – 5:30 pm in University Centre, 3272 University Way, Kelowna, BC, Canada

Join Indigenous Programs and Services (IPS) for a celebration of Indigenous contributions and passion for the game of hockey in Canada.

We will screen “Episode #7: Quite the Collection” of the APTN docuseries A Good Game created by Nish Media. Special guest Catherine Connell, daughter of the legendary Johnny Harms, will be attending the film screening to share information and history on how the game was experienced by her father and family. Naim Cardinal will also bring his hockey card collection for display.

Featured Community Events

na’ʔk’ʷulamən (what we do): syilx Traditional Plant Use Walking Tour
June 1 and 18, 2025, 10 am – 12 pm at the Laurel Packinghouse, 1304 Ellis Street, Kelowna

Stroll from the Laurel Packinghouse to the Rotary Marsh with syilx knowledge carriers as they teach about traditional plant use.

Annual imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
June 9–15, 2025, online

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

Moving Toward Reconciliation: National Conversations about Local Reconciliation
June 14, 2025, 10 am – 1 pm, online

Join a conversation about local reconciliation. Speakers include national scholars in residential school histories, church leadership, and Indigenous peoples. In this moderated online conference, speakers will explore ongoing reconciliation taking place in the Anglican Diocese of Kootenay.

Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society’s annual Turtle Island Festival
June 21, 2025, 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.

Métis Rendezvous
June 21, 2025, 11 am – 4 pm at Kelowna City Park

Join Kelowna Métis Association in cultural activities in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Kamloopa Powwow 2025
June 27–29, 2025 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.

2nd Annual Two-Spirit Powwow
June 28, 2025 at Kelowna City Park

Join in a full-day celebration of Indigenous identity, culture, and community—led by and for Two-Spirit people across the Syilx territory and beyond.

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