Celebrating Indigenous culture: Past, present, and future

Every June, Doctors of BC and the Joint Collaborative Committees join Canadians in recognizing National Indigenous History Month. This is a time to acknowledge the rich cultures, traditions, and stories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across this land. It is also an important opportunity to learn about and celebrate the rich histories and ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities, while continuing vital work to foster a vibrant future for Indigenous peoples.

Honouring the contributions of Indigenous Peoples

On June 21, we also acknowledge the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, initially declared in 1996. Taking place on the summer solstice, this day aligns with many long-standing Indigenous spiritual and cultural customs on the longest day of the year that continue today.

We encourage physicians to participate in ways that are meaningful to them—whether by attending local events, engaging with Indigenous stories and perspectives through books or documentaries, or supporting local Indigenous artists, musicians, and businesses. Connecting with and learning from local Indigenous communities can deepen relationships with the people and the land that make our home and help foster lasting understanding, visibility and respect. You can find local listings or search for events on the Canadian government’s website.

We honour the cultures, traditions and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples, and recognize their enduring contributions, leadership, and resilience in the face of the ongoing impacts of colonization. Doctors of BC encourages everyone to view this month as a time of celebration, and of learning about the Indigenous communities around us.

Language is a key to reconciliation

Language is deeply connected to culture, identity, and ways of understanding the world, making it an important pathway for learning and reconciliation. Languages hold generations of knowledge, stories, and relationships to land and community. Here in BC, there are more than 200 First Nations communities and more than 30 distinct Indigenous languages. We encourage you to learn more about the languages spoken near you by visiting the FirstVoices website.

Across the province, Indigenous placenames are increasingly being restored and reclaimed, reflecting the important role of language in reconciliation and cultural revitalization. In 2025, the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge, which connects Surrey and New Westminster, was renamed by the Kwantlen and Musqueam First Nations. The name means “a space where you can view the river, ” recognizing the deep connections between language, land, and community.

Similarly, in 2022, with support from the Tla’amin Nation leadership, the qathet Division of Family Practice officially changed its name from the Powell River Division of Family Practice. The word ‘qathet’ signifies “working together.” Last year in Tofino, a popular local beach was renamed “tiswintinwis”, meaning “calming waters,” following a proposal and years-long consultation led by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.

Uplifting Indigenous physicians

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, Doctors of BC recognizes and celebrates Indigenous physicians whose leadership, knowledge, advocacy, and care strengthen communities across the province. We also acknowledge physicians and health-care teams who work alongside Indigenous communities in partnership, with humility, respect, and a commitment to culturally safer care.

Indigenous representation in health care is deeply important. The growing visibility and inclusion of Indigenous voices, experiences, and leadership within medicine enriches the profession and helps create more equitable and responsive systems of care.

We raise our hands in gratitude for the resilience, leadership, creativity, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and communities. By listening, learning, and working together, we can help foster a future rooted in respect, relationship, equity, and collective well-being for generations to come.

Online resources

The Canadian Government has created graphics to download, use, and share: National Indigenous History Month/National Indigenous Peoples Day Zoom/social media backgrounds
On June 3, 2026, Doctors of BC’s Indigenous Specific Anti-Racism (ISAR) and Cultural Safety team, with the support of the JCCs, is hosting an accredited webinar in collaboration with UBC CPD: Speaking with Care: Culturally Safe Language in Medicine.
JCC and UBC CPD webinar recordings and learning resources
Doctors of BC YouTube channel featuring Indigenous Cultural Safety Webinars, supported by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous community leaders.
UBC Learning Circle (Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health)