Celebrate National Indigenous History Month this June
National Indigenous History Month was introduced in June 2009 as a way to educate, connect, and promote reconciliation in Canada. In 1996, National Indigenous Peoples Day was declared, with the date of June 21 chosen to coincide with the summer solstice and the start of berry-picking and fishing season – both important traditions in Indigenous cultures. The holidays invite Canadian residents to celebrate local First Nations cultures, while reflecting on the storied history of the country’s Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous Tourism BC Virtual Workshops
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is thrilled to host a series of free virtual workshops celebrating National Indigenous History Month (June 2021) and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21, 2021), in partnership with Destination BC and sponsored by Daily Hive. An engaging opportunity for people everywhere to learn about Indigenous cultures, history and tourism in BC, the workshops are anchored by themes of food and beverage, arts and culture, and wellness.
Two Thompson Okanagan Indigenous tourism companies are taking part in the workshops: Indigenous World Winery and Moccasin Trails. For a list of Indigenous tourism experiences in the Thompson Okanagan, see the Indigenous Tourism BC website.
Taking place throughout the month of June, the upcoming sessions include:
A Tasting of Indigenous Cultures – Tuesday, June 15 at 2pm PST / 5pm EST
An immersive exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in BC. Viewers will meet Paul Natrall, second-generation chef and owner of Vancouver’s Indigenous food truck, Mr. Bannock, and Ryan Widdup, manager and sommelier of the Okanagan’s picturesque Indigenous World Winery. Learn how to make authentic bannock from home and learn about the history and practices behind Indigenous wine.
Register: https://bit.ly/33U30W5
Celebrating Living Indigenous Arts & Culture – Thursday, June 17 at 2pm PST / 5pm EST
Travel virtually to the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, BC with Sara Fulla, where you’ll learn about the history and cultural significance of Potlatches as well as the artistic practices of cedar weaving, song and dance. Viewers will then be transported to the remote Great Bear Rainforest in Klemtu, BC where they will meet Sierra Hall at Spirit Bear Lodge. From harvesting traditional foods and wildlife watching to viewing petroglyphs and historical tours, Spirit Bear Lodge fosters deep connections to place and land.
Register: https://bit.ly/3eZktmw
Honouring Wellness – Tuesday, June 22 at 2pm PST / 5pm EST
Restore your spirit through an exploration of Indigenous wellness rituals. Frank Antoine, co-founder of the Okanagan’s Moccasin Trails, will host a smudging ceremony and attendees will learn about the colonization of Indigenous wellness practices. Viewers will then meet Dennis Thomas of Vancouver’s Takaya Tours, an Indigenous owned eco-tourism venture. Indigenous peoples have travelled the land and waters of traditional territory for thousands of years, and Dennis will share his ancestral knowledge, fostering an appreciation for wilderness and Indigenous culture. Learn how nature and sustainability, through an Indigenous worldview, contribute to social wellbeing.
Register: https://bit.ly/3ft3J5V
Included on each event page are links to purchase relevant products or reserve future travel experiences relating to each workshop topic, including sage sticks for smudging and pre-made mixes to bake bannock at home.
