Langley has two celebrations to honour Aboriginal Day, a week apart. National Aboriginal Day is June 21 so events are taking place on the weekend before and the weekend after.
The Fort Langley National Historic Site and local First Nations have a two day celebration June 17 and 18.
“We are inviting Canadians and visitors to come and celebrate Aboriginal Day on June 17 and 18 with storytelling, archery and bannock baking and more at Fort Langley National Historic Site, said Nancy Hildebrand, the site’s media officer. “Join our celebrations to learn about indigenous cultures and the roles of First Nations and Métis peoples at our historic site.”
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The Kwantlen were the main trading partners when the Fort was a Hudson’s Bay Company post between 1827 and 1886.
The fort is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and activities are scheduled throughout the days. As well weaving, bannock baking, and archery take place throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.
There will be drumming, storytelling, a native plant walk, a tour of the Kwantlen-made Salmon Walk sculptures and much more.
Saturday, June 17
11:00 a.m. Drumming welcome song & storytelling
11:30 a.m. Native Plant Walk
12:00 p.m. Tour of the Salmon Walk
12:30 p.m. Salmon Run (family activity)
1:00 p.m. Drumming & storytelling
1:30 p.m. Native Plant Walk
2:00 p.m. Tour of the Salmon Walk
2:30 p.m. Salmon Run (family activity)
3:00 p.m. Drumming & storytelling
3:30 p.m. Native Plant Walk
4:00 p.m. Tour of the Salmon Walk
4:30 p.m. Salmon Run (family activity)
Sunday, June 18
11:00 a.m. Drumming welcome song & storytelling
11:30 a.m. Native Plant Walk
12:00 p.m. Tour of the Salmon Walk
12:30 p.m. Salmon Run (family activity)
1:00 p.m. Drumming & storytelling
1:30 p.m. Native Plant Walk
2:00 p.m. Tour of the Salmon Walk
2:30 p.m. Salmon Run (family activity)
3:00 p.m. Drumming & storytelling
3:30 p.m. Native Plant Walk
4:00 p.m. Tour of the Salmon Walk
4:30 p.m. Salmon Run (family activity)
On June 25
The Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society has a celebration on June 25 in Douglas Park from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The all-ages family event is at the Spirit Square bandshell and begins with a traditional welcome from Kwantlen First Nations elders. There’s a free hot dog lunch, and entertainers take the stage at 2:30 p.m. for a friendship dance and traditional closing.
The celebration includes vendors, artisans, bannock sales, community groups, kids zone activities, and an elders tent.
Organizers invite everyone to enjoy cultural presentations, stories, treats and entertainment at this free annual event.