Sonny McHalsie, a Stó:lō historian speaking about the draining of Sumas Lake to a group of newcomers on a tour of Abbotsford history, services and attractions in 2019.
Indigenous History Month Events & Exhibits
To mark National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st, 2024
We’ve gathered a list of Indigenous events, exhibits, and activities happening during National Indigenous History Month in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission.
If there is an error, or missing events, please email comms@archway.ca.
National Indigenous Peoples Day & Indigenous History Month Events
National Indigenous Peoples Day Event: Good Medicine Songs Music Concert
- Date: Saturday, June 15th– 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Location: Trinity Memorial United Church, 33737 George Ferguson Way
- Host: Trinity Memorial United Church
- About: Songs and stories in Halq’eméylem and English promoting revitalization of Stó:lō language and culture, reconciliation, belonging and unity.
- See Event
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
- Date: Monday, June 17th – 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Location: Outside Kariton Art Gallery, 2387 Ware Street
- Host: Abbotsford Arts Council
- About: Celebrate Indigenous culture and commemorate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
- See Event
Indigenous Peoples Day Event
- Date: Friday, June 21st– 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Location: Fraser River Heritage Park
- Host: Mission Friendship Centre Society
- About: Free event celebrating Indigenous culture and traditions.
- See Event
Chillcouture: Shxwthit’awkw’ | Indigenous Peoples Day Fashion, Arts & Music Gala
- Date: Friday, June 21st– 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Location: Shxwá:y Centre, 44692-B Skway Rd
- Host: Chillsounds
- About: A gala evening showcasing and celebrating indigenous fashion, art, food and music.
- See Event
Art Exhibit And Live Interview With Coast Salish Artist Carrielynn Victor
- Date: Friday, June 21st– 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- Location: #12 – 8465 Harvard Place, Chilliwack
- Host: Cowork Chilliwack
- About: A transformative evening that bridges art, culture, and conversation. Honoring the rich heritage and vibrant creativity of First Nations communities featuring renowned artist Carrielynn Victor and the charismatic host of Bigger Than Me Podcast, Aaron Pete.
- See Event
Indigenous Peoples Day Event
- Date: Friday, June 21st– 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Location: Sardis Park, 6898 School Lane
- Host: Wilma’s Transition Society
- About: A celebration of rich Indigenous culture in Chilliwack.
- See Event
Indigenous Exhibits & Tours
If exhibits are temporary, the end date is noted in each listing.
Trethewey House Heritage Site
- Permanent Exhibit on “The River People and the Land: Living within S’ólh Téméxw”
The Reach Gallery Museum
- The Reach Gallery Museum contains local history exhibits and often features Indigenous artists
Mission Museum
- Learn about Stó:lō history at the Mission Museum
Kariton Art Gallery
- The Land Holds Our Dreams exhibit on display at the Kariton Art Gallery (Ends August 31st)
Stó:lō Tourism Tours
- Book a tour through Stó:lō Tourism
- Guided Grounds Tours: Coqualeetza (Chilliwack), St Mary’s Residential School (Mission) and X̲áːytem Interpretive Centre
- Guided Bus Tours: • Bad Rock (Chilliwack/Yale/Hope), Chilliwack Lake, Sumas Region
- Guided Water Tours: Harrison Lake, Harrison River, Fraser River
Fraser River Discovery Centre
- Visitors to the Discovery Centre will learn about the river’s contribution to the life, history, and future of British Columbia and its people through rotating exhibits and hands-on programs
Stó:lō fishing gear at the Mission Museum.
Photo Credit: Thomas Quine
Naxaxalhts’i Albert (Sonny) McHalsie, a Stó:lō historian and cultural advisor leads a tour of St. Mary’s for Archway staff in March 2023.