The National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Saturday, June 21 highlighted the heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Families and community members enjoyed an immersive experience with Indigenous artists, artisans, performers and storytellers.
As we reflect on this event, we’re excited to reveal the centerpiece of next year’s National Indigenous People’s Day: Mesneẃásen - Join Them Together, new art by Coast Salish artist Austin Harry.
This artwork depicts the four Host Nation symbols as human beings united on a shared canoe journey. Their paddles are raised in respect toward those watching from the shore, while the Thunderbird, a reimagining of Squamish’s logo, recites protocol.
The Wolf, a central figure of Tsleil-Waututh, reaches toward the water, where their reflection appears as a human—symbolizing the connection between the natural and supernatural worlds.
Flanking the Thunderbird are two salmon beings: one of the ocean and one of the river. The blue salmon represents xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, inspired by their logo. The red spawning salmon symbolizes the Kwikwetlem Nation, referencing the translation of their name: “Red fish up the river.”
In the background, the mountains known as the Sisters anchor the scene in the Burrard Inlet, whose waters connect the host nations to each other and link Burnaby to surrounding communities.
Thank you to our partner
Learn more about the artwork and artist
National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025
Public at National Indigenous Peoples Day
Mayor and Council
Emcee JB The First Lady
Indigicree Hoop Dancing by Jay Genaille
Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack)
