‘Very important’: National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 events announced

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — First Nations communities are busy making preparations for National Indigenous Peoples Day, and local groups in the Peace region have announced their itineraries.

First recognized by the federal government in the 1990s as ‘National Aboriginal Day’ by then-governor general Roméo LeBlanc, the day celebrates “the traditions, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.” 

Marking the day took many years of consultations with First Nations organizations and communities, including the Assembly of First Nations and the Sacred Assembly, dating back to the early 1980s.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on June 21st each year, coinciding with summer solstice, the day with the longest amount of sunlight in the calendar year.

In Charlie Lake, the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society announced festivities set for that Saturday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

A press release by the society reads “self-guided tours and archaeological displays” will take place. The event will be opened by the Doig River First Nation (DRFN) drummers.

Free parking and shuttle service will be available at The Historic Red Barn Pub and Grill at 12984 Jackfish Frontage Road, as parking on the site will be reserved for Elders and visitors who need accessible parking throughout the day.

One of the only heritage sites in Canada wholly owned by Indigenous interests, Tse’k’wa is managed by three First Nations: DRFN, Prophet River First Nation and West Moberly First Nations (WMFN).

In Chetwynd, WMFN and Saulteau First Nations (SFN) have finalized details about a family gathering at Rotary Park in Chetwynd.

An announcement on Facebook on Monday, June 16th promises “lots of exciting things happening” during the event.

There will be face painting, crafts, beading, bannock on a stick, hair braiding, dancing and much more. SFN’s community events coordinator Carlee Westgate says as many as 10 tents for vendors and 300 people could take part.

Westgate says the occasion was put together with the assistance of Tansi Friendship Centre in Chetwynd. 

“[We will] have multiple tents set up in a big circle,” said Westgate. “Youth can run around and attend whichever one they want.”

As a non-Indigenous community member, Westgate says it is “very important” to foster celebrations within the First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.

“It’s one of the most important events that are put on here at Saulteau,” said Westgate. “Instead of multiple little events where people have a hard time choosing which to go to, we just come together and celebrate the day as one.”

The festivities in Chetwynd will occur from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and attendance is free. For more information about the event, email Westgate at cwestgate@saulteau.com