National Indigenous Peoples Day 2022 celebrations recap

On Monday, June 20, the Indigenous Education and Community Engagement department (IECE) at Vancouver Community College (VCC) was pleased to host a full day of events at the Broadway campus in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day. 

While Canada recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, VCC chose to host on-campus celebrations the day prior so the community would be free to participate in other events across the city during the official day.

VCC’s celebrations opened in the Browaday campus event space with a traditional welcome from Elder John Sam and meaningful remarks by VCC's leaders.

Starting at 11:30 a.m. and throughout the day, VCC students, faculty, and staff were invited to attend craft workshops and screenings of films including Unceded Chiefs by Doreen Manuel and episodes of CBC’s 8th Fire series hosted by Wab Kinew.

Following the film screenings, a troupe from the Greasy Bannock Performing Arts Society led by local actor Sam Bob delivered a performance that was both hilarious and deeply touching.

The day’s celebratory atmosphere was topped off by a buffet of homemade bannock and herbal iced tea alongside a craft fair and marketplace showcasing a wide range of Indigenous talent as well as student resources. Vendors included:

• Michael Rawcliff – bead work and drums
• Shirley Brown – cedar bark roses, earrings, bracelets
• Jerry Whitehead – gift cards, puzzles, and other items
• Kitty Charlie – silk screen clothing
• Richard Shorty – Jewellery and cards
• Mae Bickley – hand crafted jewellery and other Indigenous items
• Laurine Daniels
• Brad Henry – paintings
• First Nations Health Authority
• UNYA
• Jordan’s Principle Services
  
  

See more photos on VCC's Flickr page >

---

Learn more about VCC's Indigenous student communty and our commitment to a creating safe and empowering environment for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis learners.