Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park will come alive with music, performance and cultural expression on Saturday, June 21, as the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation hosts National Indigenous Peoples Day.
The free, family-friendly event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will feature live stage performances, singing, drumming, food, artists, vendors and activities for children.
Headliners include Chubby Cree, J.J. Lavallee, Kym Gouchie, Doris Munger, and a Métis jigging workshop on stage.
“National Indigenous Peoples Day is about celebrating who we are,” said Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Chief Dolleen Logan. “It’s a time to honour our culture, language and traditions — and to share them with the whole community. This land has always been a gathering place, and on June 21, we continue that legacy in the spirit of reconciliation and unity.”
Juno-nominated artist and event organizer Kym Gouchie shared what locals can expect from her performance.
“I’m definitely going to be doing music for kids,” said Gouchie. “I’m going to be singing in the Dakelh language and singing some of the songs off my Juno-nominated album. I’ll get the kids involved — it’s very interactive and lots of fun.”
Gouchie was recently nominated for best children’s artist at the Western Canadian Music Awards.
She said events like National Indigenous Peoples Day are essential for building connection and offering a platform for Indigenous voices.
“As an Indigenous woman, I feel that now — in all of the history of ever being Indigenous, not talking pre-contact — it is one of the most exciting times to be Indigenous,” she said. “We have our voice back and people are listening. As the original peoples of these lands, we are being consulted more than ever. Music and art have become such powerful vehicles to bring people together and build that bridge.”
For Gouchie, a highlight of the day is seeing people from all walks of life come together to celebrate Indigenous culture.
“I love seeing the people come together in the park and knowing that all of the people in that park are there because they care,” she said. “They want to be part of the team. They want to celebrate the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. They’re there for that reason, and I love it — because often people don’t associate or they don’t have those connections to Indigenous people or cultures.”
The event will also feature Shoresy star Keilani Elizabeth Rose as emcee. She will also perform a DJ set during the day.
The celebration will wrap up at 4 p.m. with a mini-powwow and a blanket dance to raise funds for Lheidli T’enneh First Nation elders.
The festivities won’t stop there — an after-party called Rock the Knox will take place at the Knox Performance Centre, featuring performances by Joel West and Misty Raine. Admission will be by donation, with proceeds supporting the Lheidli Elders Society.
About 20 volunteer roles remain open for the event. Those interested in signing up can visit: https://volunteersignup.org/XPR4P
“This isn’t just an event — it’s a movement,” said Logan. “It’s a celebration of resilience, of culture, and of coming together. Everyone is welcome.”
Community partners and sponsors include the PG Native Friendship Centre, PG Métis Community Association, UNBC, CNC, School District 57, Canadian Tire, the Government of Canada, the City of Prince George, Carrier Sekani Family Services, Exploration Place, CN Rail and many others.
