An Indigenous person dances at a festival with many onlookers

City of Vancouver and Carnegie Community Centre to host National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on June 21

June 17 2025 –

On Saturday, June 21, the City of Vancouver and Carnegie Community Centre warmly invite the public to gather on the 400-block of Main and Hastings Street for a public celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Festivities begin at noon, honouring the diverse cultures, living traditions and enduring contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. 

The day opens with a welcome from respected leaders Mary Point (xwməθkwəy̓əm –Musqueam Indian Band), Chief Bill Williams (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw – Squamish Nation) and Carleen Thomas (səlilwətaɬ – Tsleil-Waututh Nation), followed by cultural sharing, food and live performances, featuring: 

  • JB the First Lady, hip hop artist from the Nuxalk and Onondaga Nations  
  • Jez Dylan Bonham Band, a blend of rock, indie, and country, from Revelstoke, BC 
  • TALON, Plains Cree hip-hop artist from East Vancouver 
  • With many more performers to be announced 

Community members can explore cultural sharing tables and giveaways hosted by the Carnegie Cultural Sharing Program, UBC Learning Exchange, Vancouver Public Library, Hives for Humanity and others.  

This year’s National Indigenous Peoples Day artwork is visually anchored by Zac George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, featured on flags and street pole banners throughout the block. The design is also showcased on commemorative 2025 NIPD t-shirts worn by volunteers and community members, serving as a visual tribute to local Indigenous identity and artistry.  

“We are proud to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with the Carnegie Community Centre and so many incredible partners,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “It is a time to honour the strength, culture and leadership of Indigenous Peoples, and to reflect on the work we must continue to do on the path to Reconciliation. These lands have been shaped by Indigenous voices and stories for thousands of years, and that legacy continues today.” 

Earlier this month, on June 3, Vancouver City Council received the first annual progress report on the City’s UNDRIP Action Plan. Co-developed with the Nations, the five-year Action Plan outlines 88 deliverables across 18 Action Groups, advancing Indigenous rights and leadership in areas such as housing, cultural visibility, redress, environmental justice, and institutional change. Now in its first year of implementation, the plan guides meaningful transformation in how the City delivers services, develops policy, and builds lasting partnerships with local Nations and urban Indigenous communities.  

The City of Vancouver extends deep gratitude to the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, on whose unceded territories this event takes place. 

To learn more, visit the Carnegie Facebook event page.