National Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Chilliwack runs all afternoon on June 21 at Tzeachten Sports Field.
Under the theme, ‘Day of Wellness’, the event formerly known as National Aboriginal Day will feature traditional games, name translation, sports, food and prizes.
“It’s an all encompassing approach,” said Andrew Muth, program coordinator at Tzeachten First Nation, about the wellness theme.
There will be a range of local service providers at booths offering info, and efforts to connect people to services.
The event sponsors this year included, First Nations Health Authority, Sto:lo Services Agency Health Services, and Tzeachten First Nation.
The event will also tie in with Emergency Preparedness Day, with specific info available, and demonstrations.
With events running later in the day than in past years, the activities are scheduled between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Tzeachten Sports Field on Bailey Road.
In cooperation with national Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada designated June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day, a celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ culture and heritage.
“This date was chosen because it corresponds to the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and because for generations, many Indigenous Peoples’ groups have celebrated their culture and heritage at this time of year.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a wonderful opportunity to become better acquainted with the cultural diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, discover the unique accomplishments of Indigenous Peoples in fields as varied as agriculture, the environment and the arts, and celebrate their significant contribution to Canadian society.”