Kid friendly activities to honour Indigenous Peoples Day in Vancouver
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day tomorrow and through the rest of the month with these family activities. This is a day for all Canadians to honour and celebrate the cultures of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit people as well as the immense contributions made by these groups.
Here are some events to do with your kids to experience the Indigenous culture this month – and the best part is you will be supporting local Indigenous people and businesses. You can support many of these businesses we have listed all year long.
Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro
This amazing bistro is a must visit in Vancouver. They use authentic flavours to create their delicious dishes. The menu has a variety of tasty treats including the delicious bannock with butter and jam, a power salad and a salmon sampler.
The Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro is Indigenous owned and operated. They are currently open for take-out. Call them to order 604-568-8971. Or you can place an order on Uber Eats. They also have a small outdoor patio which is first come, first served.
Address: 7-1128 West Broadway, Vancouver
Bill Reid Gallery
The Bill Reid Gallery is a breathtaking place to visit in Vancouver. It is the only local public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art. It was established by the Bill Reid Foundation in 2008 with the mandate of promoting a greater awareness of Indigenous cultures and values.
The Bill Reid Gallery offers digital education resources for students of all ages as well as various free resources, including a colour sheet you can print from the website.
Hours – Wednesday – Sunday 11 am – 5pm (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Special notes:
The last Thursday of each month from 9:30 am – 11 am are reserved for seniors, vulnerable people and first responders. Every first Friday of the month from 2 pm – 5 pm admission is free.
Address: 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Talaysay Tours
If you’re looking for something fun and educational, Talaysay Tours is a perfect outing. They offer authentic Aboriginal cultural and eco-tourism experiences in and around Vancouver, Squamish and the Sunshine Coast. In Vancouver, there are several experiences to enjoy, including the Talking Totems Indigenous Art Tour in Stanley Park and the Talking Trees Tour in Stanley Park. Tours are let by a local First Nations guide and cultural ambassador. You will learn so much about the rich Indigenous history as well as enjoy beautiful Stanley Park.
They also have various school tours with a current limit of 10 students per group.
Mr. Bannock Indigenous Cuisine
Mr. Bannock Indigenous Cuisine is a food truck located in North Vancouver. They use traditional methods, such as clay and stone baking and use traditional ingredients from the Squamish First Nation in their Indigenous-fusion cuisine.
Menu items include bannock tacos, bannock burgers and so much more.
Download the Mr. Bannock app or call 604-839-9337 to order. You can also order delivery through Doordash.
442 West 1st Street, North Vancouver
West Vancouver Memorial Library
Stories are one of the best ways to connect and learn. West Vancouver Memorial Library (Reader’s Rooftop on the outdoor patio) presents Indigenous Storytelling by Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (The Elders of the Squamish People).
Date: Tuesday, June 29th
10:30 am – 11:30 AM
>> Register through the library form here
Spakwus Slolem/Eagle Song Dancers at Kitsilano Showboat
Head out to Kits to see the Spakwus Slolem elders and youth of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) performing at the Kitsilano Showboat on National Indigenous Peoples Day. Enjoy and learn songs and dances of yesterday as well as today at a variety of events including cultural festivals, school performances, and private events. Part of Kitsilano Showboat’s 87th anniversary.
Indigenous Stories: Reading Hour with Patricia Massy
This is a great collaboration between two, Patricia Massy and Aisha Kiani Vancouver Moms we featured in our As A Mother series!
Join in story time at the Gallery with Patricia Massy of Massy Books in the Young Activist Reading Room! You’ll discover Indigenous-centred literature and make connections across generations through a closer reading of the children’s book We Dream Medicine Dreams (2021). Written and illustrated by Dene artist and bioethicist Lisa Boivin, We Dream Medicine Dreams is a healing story of hope, dreams and the special bond between grandfather and granddaughter.
Designed for visitors aged 5- to 12-years-old, but all ages and abilities are welcome to participate.
>> Currently Postponed but Check Back Here
Taking the family out to celebrate this day is an important part of our history. Stories and food are always an excellent way to connect, to remember and to celebrate. However you decide to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day this year tag #vancouvermom / @vancouver_mom on Instagram in your photos for a chance to be featured on our Instagram page.
Kera Skocylas is a First Nations woman who loves featuring Indigenous people and businesses.
