What you need to know
June is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. Learn about:
The Governor General of Canada proclaimed June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day in 1996, an occasion for Canadians to come together, reflect on and celebrate the unique heritage, traditions, and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
We formally acknowledge that we are on the unceded traditional homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and we are deeply grateful for those who have continued to inhabit and steward these lands every day since time immemorial.
The contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Vancouver’s past, present, and future are profound but often not well recognized. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples make vital contributions to advancing arts, culture, equity, safety, and community well-being throughout the city of Vancouver. We are grateful for the contributions of Urban Indigenous community members, past, present, and future, in shaping our city.
2025 artwork
Artwork created by Zac George, Skokaylem
Artist bio
The artwork for National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025, “Syewá:l”, which translates to Ancestors, was created by Zac George, Skokaylem, son of Chief Leonard George and grandson of Chief Dan George.
As an artist from səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation, his design honours his ancestral teachings. Featured on the 2025 National Indigenous Peoples Day flag and commemorative t-shirts, the artwork reflects his distinctive style and deep commitment to traditional practices—hunting, fishing, and ceremony—all of which embody living his Salish values.
2024 artwork
Artwork created by Melaney Gleeson-Lyall (Point)
Artist bio
The artwork for National Indigenous Peoples Day 2024, Grandmother Moon, was created by Melaney Gleeson-Lyall (Point), who is a spiritual being embodied as a strong Indigenous woman living between 2 worlds and 2 cultures.
She is an artist, author, and designer, and a descendant of the Musqueam, Snaw'naw'as, and Lyackson Nations, of the Coast Salish peoples of the Pacific Northwest. As a Sixties Scoop survivor, Melaney is reclaiming her culture and heritage. She lives on the unceded land of her ancestors, at Musqueam, also known as Vancouver, BC.
