National Indigenous Peoples Month

June is National Indigenous Peoples Month

Sunday, June 21, 2026 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day

Across the university we honour the history, culture, resilience and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples to SFU and across Canada.

In recent years, SFU launched a strategy to establish a shared vision, purpose and values for SFU, as well as four priorities that will form our framework for action moving forward: uphold Truth and Reconciliation, engage in global challenges, make a difference for B.C. and transform the SFU experience.

SFU recognizes and honours the title and rights of Indigenous people as stated in UNDRIP and we respect and partner with the host Indigenous Nations on which our campuses are located. We have the responsibility to illuminate the truth of Indigenous people in Canada and around the world and to begin to chart a path of Reconciliation. We will embrace this critical and complex call, striving to create a strong and safe sense of belonging for all Indigenous people to to strengthen and harness their inherent gifts.

Learn more about this priority and other aspects of the SFU What's Next Strategy →

Why National Indigenous Peoples Month?

Our Indigenous community at SFU has begun to recognize the month of June as “National Indigenous Peoples Month” rather than “National Indigenous History Month,” as this is a more meaningful representation of what we are celebrating. 

The word “history” can perpetuate the common misconception that Indigenous peoples are only in the past, however, this is not the case as we are still around today. The use of National Indigenous Peoples Month is intended to better encapsulate not only our history, but present-day culture and knowledges. We use this time to celebrate the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. 

While this language is a slight departure from “National Indigenous History Month”, created by the Government of Canada, it reflects the shift in emerging terminology and recognizes the diversity across Turtle Island.

~Indigenous Student Centre

The Ultimate National Indigenous Peoples Day Quiz Returns

Take part and test your knowledge! This fun and informative quiz returns with categories for general knowledge, advanced knowledge, a children's quiz and new "international" questions. You can win a coffee card for participating. All quizzes close on Sunday, June 21 at 6:00 p.m.

Take the quiz

Attend an event at SFU

Summer Solstice Lunch
June 18, 2026, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. | SFU Faculty of Education Indigenous Garden

In recognition of the summer solstice and in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month, the Office of Indigenous Education (OIE) will host a small social in the Indigenous Garden. You are invited to bring your lunch, connect with colleagues and the plants in the garden. The OIE will provide beverages and a small craft! Questions? Email: ed_indigenous@sfu.ca

Indigenous Peoples' Work Experience Series Event
June 18, 2026, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. | SFU First Peoples' Gathering House - Ceremonial Hall

The event features a conversation with guest speakers Timothy Michel (Urban Indigenous, Director of Indigenous Relations at FASS), Brian George (Wet’suwet’en Nation, retired public servant, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada), Sam Seaward (Squamish Nation Elder, Artist, Master Wool Weaver, Writer, Cultural Educator, Lacrosse Coach, Red Seal Carpenter), facilitated by Gary George. All are welcome, no registration is required.

SFU Indigenous Caucus
June 19, 2026, 10:00 a.m. | SFU First Peoples' Gathering House - Ceremonial Hall

SFU Indigenous Students, Faculty, and Staff are invited to join us for a celebratory day of connection, community, and collaboration grounded in Indigenous governance, wellness, and shared learning. This gathering brings together Indigenous members of our SFU community to strengthen relationships over a shared meal and activities.

Discover "Rooted" Indigenous Flavours
June 19, 2026 | SFU Dining Commons

The Rooted Indigenous Food Program returns for the summer term at Dining Commons. Stop by to try returning favourites and new items created in collaboration with Chef Steph Baryluk for 2026.

Learn more and see the full menu.

Trail Mix Walk with Gary George
June 24, 2026, 12:00 p.m. | Light walk on Burnaby Mountain

Learn about the plant called "Devil's Club" & the meaning of "territorial acknowledgements!" Snacks and refreshments will be available after the "walk and talk!" RSVP to help us prepare with snacks and refreshments!

Drop-In "Hand-Drumming" with Gary George
July 10, 2026, 12:00 p.m. | First Peoples' Gathering House

Attend an event in community

Burnaby: National Indigenous Peoples' Day
June 20, 2026, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Civic Square

Honour and recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day by joining us for a free community celebration at Civic Square (6100 Willingdon Ave, next to Bob Prittie Metrotown library). The celebration features activities for the whole family, a variety of performances including dance, live music, fashion, storytelling and an Indigenous artisans market. For more information, visit the City of Burnaby website.

New Westminster: National Indigenous Peoples' Day
June 19, 2026, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Moody Park

Join us to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. We're celebrating a few days early this year to accomodate school groups. There will be cultural entertainment, physical activities, arts and crafts, Indigenous vendors, and storytelling. This is a free all-ages event, and everyone is invited. Drop by any time during the day. For more information, visit the City of New Westminster website.

Surrey: National Indigenous Peoples' Day
June 19, 2026, 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Semiahmoo Park

A celebration of cultural sharing, live music, Indigenous fashion show, Indigenous marketplace and kids activities - everyone welcome! For more information, visit the City of Surrey website.

Vancouver: National Indigenous Peoples' Day Block Party
June 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Carnegie Community Centre

The City of Vancouver and Carnegie Community Centre invite the public to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) at the Carnegie Community Centre Block Party on Sunday, June 21. The event welcomes everyone to come together and celebrate the diverse cultures, living traditions and enduring contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. For more information, visit the City of Vancouver website.

Learn Something New

SFU faculty and staff are invited to register for the RESPECT program, designed to teach cultural safety and anti-racism for all employees at SFU with a focus on the implications of such skills for engaging with Indigenous faculty, staff and students and engaging in reconciliation as an institution more generally.
Read the Truth and Reconciliation website for a summary of SFU’s commitments and actions to reconciliation report: the Walk this Path with Us Report, the annual progress reports in full, resources, including courses that cover the topic of residential schools and ideas for action individuals can take.
Read President Joy Johnson’s personal commitment to reconciliation at SFU.
Browse SFU Library's collection of books and films by and about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in Canada
Check out the in-person displays at Bennett Library (Burnaby) and Fraser Library (Surrey)

Show your support

Download a Zoom background:

SFU-NIPM-Zoom-Background.jpg

Simon Fraser University