Surrey Schools celebrates Coast Salish culture and history on National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21, 2023

The Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo First Nations are hosting the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration and Wellness Event today (Wednesday, June 21) at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale. (Photo by the City of Surrey)

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day, honouring the heritage, diversity, culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada.

In Surrey and White Rock, the 27^th annual day is being recognized this morning at P’Quals (White Rock) east of the pier, and this afternoon at the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration and Wellness Event, held for the first time at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale. The White Rock event includes an oral history of the area by Semiahmoo Chief Harley Chappell while the Surrey event is hosted by the Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo First Nations in partnership with the City of Surrey and numerous community organizations.

“We’re quite excited about the Surrey location because it’s a bigger space, it has an outdoor stage, and the event is growing,” said Juanita Coltman, district principal with the Indigenous Learning department. “Last year was the first time it was in person since the pandemic and there was an overwhelming response from the community – so many people came out and they’re expecting even more people this year.”

The Surrey event will feature cultural sharing from the local First Nations with teachings and practice through art, music, storytelling and dance, including:

XiQuelem, (Eugene Harry)
Salish Thunderbird (Xwelmexw Shxwexwos)
Inuit Throat Singing by PIQSIQ
Nadine Gagné, BC Provincial Advisor for Aboriginal Supported Child Development
Candace “Brown Bear Woman” Hill Trevena
Stars of the North Drum Group, (LaDonna Wiks-Joseph name by Wata)
Métis Jigging by Madelaine McCallum (Sukaskieskwew)

This year also includes an artisan section where local artists will sell authentic Indigenous crafts and artwork. Additionally, a number of local community kitchens are providing free food, including Bannock, chili, hamburgers and hot dogs.

Both events are free and open to the public. The White Rock event runs from 11 a.m. to noon east of the pier on Marine Drive. The Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre is located at 11728 64 Ave. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the event runs from 4:30 to 8 p.m., with the following schedule:

4:30 p.m. – Welcome by Semiahma (Semiahmoo), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nations
4:30-7:30 p.m. – Cultural Sharing
5-7 p.m. – Community Kitchen opens
7:30 p.m. – Closing
7:30-8 p.m. – Cultural Vocalists

For more information, visit the City of White Rock calendar and surrey.ca/IndigenousPeoplesDay