June is National Indigenous History Month and this year, Indigenous Tourism BC and Destination BC have partnered up with three incredible virtual workshops to celebrate National Indigenous History Month and People’s Day.
The workshops bring together the diverse talent of Indigenous artists, creators and community members that focus on honouring the mind, body and spirit through food and drink, arts and culture, and wellness rituals. Each of the three key workshops are completely free and a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about local Indigenous cultures and important history. Although travel remains restricted for now around the province, these workshops make it possible to experience the thrills of traveling and experiencing Indigenous culture firsthand.
1. A Tasting of Indigenous Cultures (June 15th 2021 at 14:00 PST)
This Tuesday, June 15th, at 2pm, meet Paul Natrall, a second generation chef and owner of Vancouver’s beloved Indigenous food truck, Mr. Bannock. Paul will host a session that teaches participants how to make authentic bannock from home. Ryan Widdup, the manager and sommelier of the Indigenous World Winery in West Kelowna will also be teaching the history and practices of making Indigenous wine.
Sign up for this incredible experience here.
2. Celebrating Living Indigenous Arts & Culture (June 17, 2021 at 14:00 PST)
Next Thursday, June 17th, visit the beautiful U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, BC and the remote Great Bear Rainforest in Klemtu, BC all virtually. First, Sara Fulla will teach the history and cultural significance of Potlatches and the art of cedar weaving, song and dance. Then, Sierra Hall at Spirit Bear Lodge will teach about the work of harvesting traditional foods, wildlife watching, and petroglyphs that really connect land to culture.
Sign up here to visit these stunning locations.
3. Honouring Wellness (June 22nd, 2021 at 14:00 PST)
The final workshop on June 22nd is leD by Frank Antoine, the co-founder of Okanagan’s Moccasin Trails, and Dennis Thomas of Takaya Tours. Both incredible speakers will teach indigenous wellness rituals like smudging, the connection between nature, sustainability and indigenous cultures and the historical and ongoing colonization of Indigenous wellness practices.
Sign up here for this enriching experience.