Indigenous Events

June is National Indigenous History Month

June 18, 2026

Resources to learn and reflect

South Island Indigenous Business Directory: Explore and support Indigenous-owned businesses across southern Vancouver Island.
Frontlines Are Everywhere: Hosted by Jeff Ganohalidoh Corntassel, this podcast explores Indigenous nationhood, world politics, and conversations with Indigenous scholars, artists, activists, and knowledge holders from across Turtle Island and beyond. Listen Here
Truth Telling: A powerful collection by Michelle Good exploring Indigenous experiences in Canada, including racism, broken treaties, cultural loss, and the ongoing impacts of colonialism. It emphasizes the importance of truth-telling, reconciliation, and Indigenous self-determination.
Jordan River Anderson: The Messenger A documentary by Alanis Obomsawin about Jordan River Anderson and the creation of Jordan’s Principle, highlighting how jurisdictional disputes affected Indigenous children’s access to healthcare in Canada. Watch Here
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
Read More
Learn about the ten South Island First Nations
- Songhees Nation, Esquimalt Nation, Tsawout First Nation, Tsartlip First Nation, Tseycum First Nation, Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation, T’Sou-ke First Nation, Pacheedaht First Nation, Pauquachin First Nation, Malahat Nation

What's happening around town:

F1RST: A Celebration of Indigenous Films

F1RST, taking place July 17–19, 2026, is a major cultural event dedicated to showcasing the depth, diversity, and impact of filmmaking by Indigenous artists, storytellers, and creators from around the world. It serves as an important platform that elevates Indigenous voices, allowing stories to be shared in their own words and through their own unique perspectives. Get tickets here

Victoria Native Friendship Centre National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Join the Victoria Native Friendship Centre on Friday, June 19, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for an afternoon of culture, connection, and celebration in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Gather with community to celebrate Indigenous cultures, traditions, and the strength of Indigenous peoples through a welcoming day of connection and shared experiences. Learn more about the event through the Victoria Native Friendship Centre calendar.

Royal Roads University Indigenous Artisan Market

Support Indigenous artists, makers, and entrepreneurs at the Royal Roads University Indigenous Artisan Market on Friday, June 19, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Browse handmade goods, artwork, food, and locally made products while connecting with Indigenous vendors from across the region. The market is part of the region's National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations and offers an opportunity to support Indigenous businesses and creators.

National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Victoria Conservatory of Music

Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Victoria Conservatory of Music on Sunday, June 21 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM with an afternoon of Indigenous music, dance, and youth-led cultural programming. Activities include learning an ancestral song, Métis jigging, a youth-led Bone Game, a collaborative beat and lyric cypher, and screenings of music videos created by students from Craigflower Elementary and the ȽÁU, WELNEW Tribal School. Learn More

Ways to support and donate

Shop Indigenous & South Island Indigenous Business Directory:

Uplift Indigenous artists, makers, and entrepreneurs by choosing to purchase directly from Indigenous-owned businesses, shops, and creators. The South Island Indigenous Business Directory offers a way to connect with and support local Indigenous entrepreneurs and verified businesses providing products, services, and cultural experiences within the community. Explore Directory

Tourism:

Book authentic, Indigenous-led cultural tourism experiences that offer the opportunity to learn directly from local communities, their stories, and teachings rooted in the land. Experiences such as Songhees Tours provide guided canoe and walking tours in Lək̓ʷəŋən territory, sharing cultural knowledge and perspectives from the Songhees Nation. Explore Songhees Tours

Donate:

Support Indigenous-led organizations working toward advocacy, healing, and community programming by contributing directly to trusted initiatives such as the Native Women’s Association of Canada. Donations help fund programs that support Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people across Canada, advancing equity, safety, and self-determination. Donate to NWAC

Victoria Native Friendship Centre

A community-based Indigenous organization offering culturally grounded programs and services that support the health, wellbeing, cultural connection, and everyday needs of Indigenous peoples in the Victoria area. It provides accessible, community-led programming rooted in Indigenous knowledge, while creating a welcoming space for connection, support, and belonging. Learn More

Do the Work: Take time to educate yourself about the land you live on, its Indigenous history, and the communities to whom it belongs. Commit to listening, reading, and learning from Indigenous voices.

Helplines and crisis support

If you are a Survivor, family member, or need support at any time, help is available:

KUU-US Crisis Line – 1-800-588-8717

24/7 crisis support for Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.

Hope for Wellness Helpline – 1-855-242-3310

Free, confidential support for Indigenous peoples across Canada.

Indian Residential School Crisis Line (24/7): 1-866-925-4419