June 21 is National Aboriginal Day, first proclaimed in 1996 as an occasion for First Nations peoples to share their rich, diverse traditions and cultures with family, friends, neighbours, and community members.

Across Canada First Nations, Métis and Inuit people will gather to celebrate and share in community events in honour of the day. Here is a list of events around BC that MoveUP members can attend:

Chilliwack

• Stó:l? Aboriginal Day Celebration – Thursday, June 21st

The Stó:l? Nation Society, the Stó:l? Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association, and the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance are hosting a Salmon Ceremony and Luncheon to celebrate National Aboriginal Day in Stó:l? territory. Visit the gift shop, see the new Longhouse which is near completion, enjoy the activities and entertainment from noon to 4pm on the Coqualeetza grounds in front of the Stó:l? Resource Centre (Building 10 – 7201 Vedder Road Chilliwack)

Courtenay

• I-Hos Gallery (3310 Comox Road) – Thursday, June 21st – 3 PM to 7 PM

Bring the whole family and enjoy dancing, storytelling and traditional food, including bannock and a sockeye salmon dinner.

Fort Langley

• Fort Langley National Historic Site (23433 Mavis Avenue) Saturday, June 23, 2012 – 10 AM to 5 PM

Celebrate the key role that First Nation communities played in the history of Fort Langley. Share in the rich culture, history and traditions. Taste salmon baked over the fire, enjoy Aboriginal dancing, drumming and storytelling, and discover the traditions of the land at Fort Langley.

Langley – Thursday, June 21st – 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

The Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society invites you to celebrate National Aboriginal Day in Langley at Douglas Park, 20550 Douglas Crescent from 4 to 7pm. This year’s celebration will include drumming, crafts, and story telling. Also on site will be food and craft vendors, door prizes and complimentary cupcakes for all in attendance.

Contact the Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society at lfvasociety@fastmail.fm

Maple Ridge

• Haney Farmers Market National Aboriginal Day Celebration Saturday, June 23, 2012 – 10 AM to 2 PM

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services and the Fraser River All Nations Aboriginal Society will be celebrating National Aboriginal Day on June 23rd from 10am to 2pm during the Haney Farmers Market at Memorial Peace Park.

Richmond

• Pathways Aboriginal Centre Celebration – Saturday, June 23, 2012 – 1 PM to 3 PM

The Pathways Aboriginal Centre located at 100 – 7900 Alderbridge Way is hosting their annual celebration of Richmond’s Aboriginal community and culture. Includes presentations by elders, the Aboriginal Youth Council, and local dignitaries, and performances by OSKAYAK Drum Group, Kloshe’nem, and Urban Heiltsuk Dance Group. Visit www.rysa.bc.ca for more information.

Tsawwassen

• Tsawassen First Nation – Thursday, June 21, 2012 – 11 AM start

The Tsawwassen First Nation is hosting an all day community event with games, road hockey tournament , entertainment, Halibut cook off and lots more food. Email

info@tsawwassenfirstnation.com

for more information.

Vancouver

• Trout Lake National Aboriginal Day – Thursday, June 21, 2012

The Vancouver Friendship Centre hosts a Pancake Breakfast from 9:00am – 10:45am on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at the Judge Alfred Scow Gym at 1607 East Hastings Street. From 11:00am – 12:00 noon there will be a parade from the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, along Commercial Drive, to Trout Lake.

At Trout Lake on Thursday, June 21, from 12:00 noon – 5:00pm, a community festival includes performers, canoes, tipi’s, arts & crafts tables, Elder’s tents, food vendors, free BBQ and more.

• Klahowya Village in Stanley Park – opens June 21, 2012 at 11am and will remain open every day until September 3, 2012

The Klahowya Village in Stanley Park is an authentic Aboriginal cultural experience. Travel through the forest on the Spirit Catcher miniature train and discover the Legend of the Sasquatch. Shop the Artisan Marketplace for First Nations and Métis art, jewellery and more. Watch live cultural performances on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and holiday Monday throughout the summer.

• National Aboriginal Day at Musqueam – Thursday, June 21, 2012 from 11 AM to 3 PM

The Musqueam Nation is celebrating the opening of their Community Recreation Centre this year at 6777 Salish Drive, Musqueam, Vancouver. The celebration will include live entertainment, a salmon barbeque lunch, local artists, crafters and vendors selling their wares, the Vancouver Police Department helicopter and horse squad, the Vancouver Aquarium AquaVan, and many other fun activities for people of all ages.

For more information you can call the Musqueam Indian Band at (604) 263-3261.

BBQ at Salmon n’ Bannock all evening June 21, 2012

Victoria and area

• Camosun College – Thursday June, 21, 2012 – 10 AM to 3 PM

Each Year Aboriginal Education and Community Connections at Camosun College celebrates National Aboriginal Day with a traditional pit cook and harvest. The event is open to the public.

The day begins at 10:00 honoring Indigenous graduates of 2012, followed by a traditional open fire salmon BBQ and cultural celebrations with performances by The Unity and Ahaousaht Drummer’s; a Traditional Medicine Walk with Cowichan Elder Della Rice-Sylvester, and a kids market with traditional storytelling, a bouncy castle and an arts and crafts table.

• T’Sou-Ke Art Show (2154 Lazzar Road, Sooke) – Saturday, June 23 – 11 AM to 5 PM

Whistler

• Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre – Thursday, June 21, 2012

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is hosting a full day of activities to celebrate Aboriginal Culture, History and Art. The Centre is at 4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler. Includes children’s crafts, an artist market, outdoor BBQ, and arts performances.