TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – June 20, 2025

GUEST CEO MESSAGE
TIABC Director MIKE RETASKET – Director, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association

National Indigenous Peoples Day, 2025

The day was first celebrated in 1996 after Governor General of Canada Roméo LeBlanc proclaimed this day to be celebrated annually on June 21st. June 21st became a statutory holiday and has cultural significance as the Summer solstice, and a day when Indigenous Peoples traditionally hold various forms of ceremonies that celebrate their heritage, and the beginning of a season of berry picking and fishing, powwows and gatherings for Indigenous Peoples. We also join together to recognize many contributions Indigenous, Inuit and Metis have made to the identity of Canada and its culture or multi-culture. We celebrate the day together. Our relationship is important as we work together towards truth and reconciliation. For many it is a day for healing.

June 21st, National Indigenous Peoples Day can be used as a call to action-by supporting Indigenous businesses and self-determination by travelling, eating, shopping and having fun. The day can also advance reconciliation with Indigenous, including to raise awareness on issues facing our families and communities like murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls, men and boys, the 2SLGBTQQIA+ and healing along with the Orange Shirt Society because Every Child Matters.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is at the forefront of messaging of the day. We must stand together stronger than ever as Indigenous Peoples. We must celebrate the accomplishments and hardships that we have faced to get to where we are today. UNDRIP’s National Action Plan is a crucial step forward for Indigenous Peoples in BC. We celebrate Indigenous history and achievement on this day and we encourage everyone to take some time to learn about Indigenous peoples, or celebrate being Indigenous, or celebrate alongside Indigenous through various celebrations throughout the province.

There will be a lineup of local events taking place to help you connect and engage through firsthand experiences and education on National Indigenous Peoples Day. June is a month for all to honour the cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples, Inuit and Metis. Through these events become inspired to learn beyond the day and the month.

It is a day for us to come together and celebrate our friends, relatives and neighbours, wherever we are. Happy and safe National Indigenous Peoples Day everyone.

Mike Retasket

Director, TIABC