Chilliwack has a higher percentage of people with aboriginal roots, at about nine per cent, compared to the Canadian average, at four or five per cent.
So it's not surprising there is a wide range of events planned to celebrate National Aboriginal Day, from this week to next month, in Chilliwack and nearby communities.
Sunday, June 21, is officially National Aboriginal Day, to recognize and honour the valuable contributions to Canadian society by Canada's First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Here is a list of local events during National Aboriginal Day open to the public, with most free of cost:
June 19: 12 noon – 3 p.m. Stó:lō Primary Health Care Centre Grand Opening, Stó:lō Nation building 7-7201 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack -604 824-3200
June 19: 12 p.m. to June 21 3 p.m.: First Annual Aboriginal Day Celebration and Slahal Tournament (traditional stick games) at Cheam Fishing Village 930 Appel Rd., Agassiz. For more information call 604 997-5533 or www.cheamfishingvillage.com/follow
June 20: (Saturday 9 to 3pm) Aboriginal Wellnesss Day - Tzeachten Sports Field, 46770 Bailey Rd., Chilliwack, 604 858-3888.
June 20: 11 a.mm – 3 p.m. Cedar Weaving Community Project, Stó:lō Nation resource building 10-7201 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack. Salmon lunch by donation. 1 855 786-5652.
June 27 & 28: Sasquatch Days, Harrison Hot Springs. Co-hosted by Sts’ailes & Harrison Hot Springs, 604 796-2116 or www.tourismharrison.com/Sasquatch-Day-Schedule
July 7: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Stó:lō Kids in the Hall Early Literacy Event, Squiala Community Hall, 8528 Ashwell Rd., Chilliwack, 604 824-3200
July 22: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stó:lō Children’s Festival, Stó:lō site 7201 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack, 604 824-3200
July 24-26: People of the River Pow Wow at Tzeachten Sports Field, 46770 Bailey Rd., Chilliwack - $2/day admission or $5 for the whole weekend, 604 858-3888