June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day and in June we observe National Indigenous History Month. It is a vital time for reflection on our collective past for all who live and work on the Indigenous lands now known as Canada, and, more locally, on the unceded traditional territories of First Nations across what is now called British Columbia.
The creative industries play a crucial role in prioritizing, empowering, and centring original Indigenous stories — and the people who hold the rights and responsibilities to tell them. These stories are foundational to this land. They help us reflect on and better understand our shared histories, while offering wisdom and truth about the cultures, sacrifices, contributions, and enduring strength of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
National Indigenous History Month invites us to honour the stories, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples who commemorate their history with pride and a spirit of preservation. For non-Indigenous people, it is a call to deepen understanding of the unique cultures, traditions, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples. For the creative sector in particular, this month is an opportunity to recognize the vital role Indigenous creators have played, and continue to play, in shaping every facet of the sector’s fabric.
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#NIHM2025
Celebrating Recent Successes and Stories
- SAINTS & WARRIORS receives the Colin Low Award for Best Canadian Director at DOXA’s closing gala.
- NECHAKO – IT WILL BE A BIG RIVER AGAIN receives an Honourable Mention for the Colin Low Award for Best Canadian Director at DOXA.
- #SKODEN wins the Vancouver Film Studios Award for Best BC Director at DOXA.
- SWEET SUMMER POW WOW has its world premiere at the Victoria Film Festival.
- Hulu acquires BONES OF CROWS film for November 2024 release.
- Snotty Nose Rez Kids become the first Indigenous artists to win best rap album at the 2025 JUNO Awards.
- Netflix acquires YINTAH documentary for multiple regions.
- Ryan Dickie’s documentary TEA CREEK debuts on CBC Gem.
- Billy Ray Belcourt’s fifth book Coexistence becomes a national bestseller.
Resources and Events
Book + Magazine Publishing
- Indigenous Collections at your local branch – Vancouver Public Library
- Indigenous Reading List for Adults – Vancouver Public Library
- Indigenous-owned Bookstores in Canada – Rocky Mountain Books
- Indigenous Books for Schools
- Indigenous History Month Reading – Massy Books, a 100% owned and operated Indigenous bookstore
- Explore Indigenous Genealogy Resources – Vancouver Public Library
- – Vancouver Public Library
- – Vancouver Public Library
- – Vancouver Public Library
Interactive + Digital Media
- Discover Authentic Indigenous artists, hosts, and businesses. Learn common Indigenous words and phrases from diverse languages. Hear traditional music, stories, and legends from all across Indigenous BC. – Indigenous BC App
- First Nations Technology Council
- Talaysay Tours: Virtual Guide of Stanley Park through Indigenous Eyes
- Timeless: Echoes of Distant Tales by BrainSwitch Labs
Motion Picture
- Indigenous Film Collection – Vancouver Public Library
- Indigenous Cinema – National Film Board of Canada
- Rogers Indigenous Film Fund Program Resource Hub – Creative BC
- National Indigenous History Month 2025: Film Playlists & Lesson Plans
- Keepers of the Fire + Our Grandmother the Inlet Screening – The Cinematheque | Free Admission
- I AM ISHI: The Performance Art Film – The Cinematheque
- Night Raiders Screening – The Cinematheque
- NECHAKO: It Will Be a Big River Again – VIFF Centre
- FAIRY CREEK Screening – VIFF Centre
- FAIRY CREEK Screening and Q&A with Director – Rio Theatre
- – Vancouver Public Library
- Indigenous Screen Office – On Screen Protocols & Pathways
Music + Sound Recording
- Indigenous BC Playlist – Music BC
- Music Grants – First Peoples’ Cultural Council
- Canadian artists present at Indigenous Music Summit in Toronto, Ontario
- Super Jam Session with Chris Bose – Vancouver Public Library
- – Vancouver Public Library
- Voices of the Solstice: A National Indigenous Day Event
- chillcouture: Shxwthit’awkw’ 2025
- HOTLATCH: National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 – The Birdhouse
Resources, Tools, Actions, and Learning for Non-Indigenous People
- TRC Calls to Action
- BC Friendship Centres
- Make a donation to support Indian Residential School Survivors
- Make a donation to support the revitalization of Indigenous languages, arts and culture in B.C. through the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation
- Learn whose land you are on with the First Peoples Map of B.C.
- Government of Canada weekly themes and resources
On behalf of the province’s creative sector, BC Creates and its united creative industry associations gratefully acknowledge the 200,000 Indigenous people living in B.C., including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. The sector operates across the unceded homelands of 34 First Nations language and cultural groups, encompassing nearly 60 dialects and representing over 200 distinct First Nations in B.C.
