In 1996, the Governor General of Canada proclaimed June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, traditions, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples across Canada.
Intentionally chosen to align with the summer solstice—a time of cultural significance for many Indigenous communities—it serves as an opportunity for people across the country to come together, learn, reflect, and celebrate Indigenous Peoples and their ongoing contributions to society.
Indigenous Peoples have shaped communities across Canada in profound ways, contributing to the richness of arts, culture, knowledge systems, and overall community well-being. At the same time, June 21 invites reflection on the ongoing impacts of colonialism, including the systemic barriers that many Indigenous communities continue to face. The BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) and BCSS Youth joins individuals and organizations across the country in recognizing the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.
BCSS Youth has been supporting, helping and advocating for families across the province to help them access the information and resources they need to care for loved ones with severe and persistent mental illness for over 40 years. That commitment includes closing the gaps in care that Indigenous families too often face—gaps shaped by geography, systemic racism, and a long history of culturally unsafe services. Throughout the province, our regional managers and educators continue to work alongside local friendship centers and band offices, centering Indigenous knowledge and teaching in our programs.
This year, BCSS Youth has been supporting young people by having the privilege of attending and participating in a number of Indigenous-led events and spaces including:
- South Island Powwow – joined in celebration, culture, and community.
- Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) / Frontrunners Victoria St. Patrick’s Day Fun Run: showing up alongside the VNFC community in a spirit of connection.
- F1rst: A Festival of Indigenous Film – attended the film screenings and workshops celebrating Indigenous storytelling and voices.
- Truth & Reconciliation Day of Commemoration and Gathering with the Support Network for Indigenous Women & Women of Colour (SNIWWOC)
Continued development of Strengthening Families Together – Indigenous (SFT‑I Youth programming), with ongoing work to ensure the program reflects Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, and community-led approaches to family support and wellness. Learn more about SFT-I here.
BCSS Youth renewed its relationship with Sq’éwqel Seabird Island Band, bringing Kids in Control (KIC) programming back to youth in the community.
- Programming also continued at Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt Elementary/Middle School, where a talking stick – an instrument of Indigenous democracy in the Pacific Northwest – was incorporated and used regularly to ensure everyone in the group was heard and engaged in active listening.
- During our continued partnership with Hulitan Family & Community Services Society, two Elders and a community facilitator supported adaptations to KIC, incorporating cultural practices such as drumming, smudging, and teachings of the medicine wheel. BCSS Youth was also invited to participate in ongoing monthly drum circles.
- BCSS Youth collaborated with organizations including Coastal Research, Education and Advocacy Network (CREAN), SNIWWOC, South Island Indigenous Authority, and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre through the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Action Committee.
As we honour this day, we want to take a moment to reaffirm our Commitment to Reconciliation. Reconciliation is something we work toward every day – in the programs we offer, relationships we build, and how we show up for Indigenous families across BC.
Through genuine connections and shared experiences, we can continue to create a more inclusive society that cherishes and respects the contributions of all. Together, we are building bridges of understanding and celebrate the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples.
BCSS and BCSS Youth encourages you to learn about the beauty of Indigenous arts, traditions, and languages, and to explore the wisdom passed down through generations. Engage in meaningful conversations, listen to personal stories, and take part in the events happening in your community.
Be involved!
Every year, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across the country host events on or around June 21st to share and celebrate their longstanding and diverse cultures and traditions. There are many ways to celebrate:
- Celebrate Canada — list of events and an interactive map to find one near you
- Indigenous Tourism BC — this year’s theme spotlights Indigenous athletes and the connection between sport and reconciliation, alongside their interactive events map
- Join BCSS Regional Manager Robert Brooks at the “Life of Meares Island” Celebration on June 21, starting at 1:00pm at Wickaninnish Elementary School in Tofino—a community gathering centered on gratitude, stewardship, and future generations.
We encourage everyone to take part in the events and educational activities happening around your community.
Get engaged!
Connect with others on social media using the hashtags #NIHM2026 and #NIPD2026.
If you’d like to learn more about Indigenous, Inuit and Métis cultures, we recommend visiting the UBC Learning Circle’s website for more information and resources.
To learn more about our work in this space, visit BCSS’s Commitment to Reconciliation page, or check out the BCSS Youth programs page to stay updated on events happening near you.
We acknowledge the lands on which BCSS and BCSS Youth operate and support families are the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the First Nations, Metis and, Inuit Peoples. We are honoured and privileged to live and work on this land we all share. We are committed to reconciliation, decolonization, learning from and with Indigenous peoples, and building relationships within our communities.