Indigenous Events to Experience in Vancouver This Fall
Indigenous arts, culture, storytelling and community are an integral part of Vancouver. This fall, gatherings range from festivals, performances and exhibitions to ceremonies, commemorations and opportunities for learning and reflection.
So mark your calendars, we’ve gathered a selection of upcoming Indigenous events and Indigenous-led experiences happening in Vancouver this fall.
There are many different ways to meaningfully connect with Indigenous culture, art and history.
While some of these events celebrate contemporary Indigenous arts and culture, others specifically commemorate and honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We’ve separated them below to help you understand a little more about their context.
Indigenous Arts & Cultural Events This Fall
ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl Come Toward the Fire Festival
ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl is a festival celebration of Indigenous arts, culture and community presented by the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) at UBC.
The festival is a family-friendly gathering that showcases musical performances by Indigenous artists from across the continent, plus film screenings, dancers, speakers, workshops, artist discussions, an Indigenous artisan’s market, and food vendors.
Come Toward the Fire Festival is all about celebrating Indigenous creativity, brilliance, and culture, and amplifying Indigenous voices. Everyone is welcome to come join in on the festivities.
When: September 18-20, 2026
Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW)
From fashion to art to cuisine and more, Indigenous culture and innovation is an integral part of this city. Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) is one of the most exciting celebrations of Indigenous fashion, creativity and culture in Vancouver. This year’s theme, EARTH, hits the ground running with programming that emphasizes connection and platforms Indigenous creativity and artistry.
With dozens of Indigenous fashion designers and artists from all across Turtle Island (North America) showcasing their work over the course of four jam-packed days, this event is not to be missed.
When: November 18-21, 2026
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Gifts to be Shared, Protected and Carried Forward at MONOVA
If you find yourself exploring the shorelines and striking mountain views of North Vancouver this fall, be sure to check out the Museum of North Vancouver’s latest feature exhibit, Gifts to be Shared, Protected and Carried Forward.
For families, history buffs, and cultural enthusiasts of all ages, this special exhibit offers meaningful opportunities to connect with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh culture and stories of the lands these peoples have stewarded for generations
Curated by Chief Dr. Janice George, this feature exhibit celebrates Sḵwx̱wú7mesh traditions, teachings and practices and the meaningful connections between past, present and future that shape our sense of place today. .
Joining the exhibit is the Chemcheḿáýekw Tumpline. On loan from the American Museum of Natural History, this meticulously crafted weaving, a carrying device designed to be worn across the forehead, returns to its home territory for the first time in over 100 years. Alongside the many other belongings on display in the gallery, this particularly special addition reflects the ingenuity and knowledge of Indigenous peoples, and the lasting influence of traditional practices today.
Entry to this exhibit is included with admission.
When: until March 2027
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events
Every year, Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place on September 30th. It’s also Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots initiative that is observed annually, honouring residential school survivors and their families.
It’s a day to remember and recognize the lasting effects of Canada’s residential school system on Indigenous peoples, and to honour the experiences of survivors, their communities, and their descendents. On this day, we take time to pause and listen, reflect, and take meaningful action toward truth and reconciliation.
The following events offer opportunities to learn, reflect and commemorate the day.
ReconciliACTION Workshop
Truth and ReconciliACTION is an all-ages workshop led by storyteller, author and educator Kung Jaadee. This action-planning session is open to anybody who is interested in learning more about Truth and Reconciliation, including families.
Through storytelling and guided discussion, you’ll learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the six principles of ReconciliACTION.
Plus, the learning doesn’t stop when the workshop ends. Tickets include admission to the Museum of Vancouver galleries!
When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 1:00pm–2:30pm
Where: Museum of Vancouver
Truth and Reconciliation Day at MONOVA
In honour of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, MONOVA is hosting a full day of events, cultural experiences and reflection on September 30th.
Led by MONOVA’s Indigenous Cultural Programmers, Jordan Dawson & Tsawaysia Spukwus, visitors of all ages will be welcomed to engage in hands-on activities, guided tours, and thoughtful games developed to inspire meaningful dialogue about the history of Indigenous rights.
MONOVA’s Museum Shop also carries Every Child Matters Orange Shirts, featuring artwork by Ditidaht, Nuu-chah-nulth artist Deanna Samuel, with proceeds supporting the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund.
When: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – 10:00am–5:00pm
Film Screening of Dancing Around the Table at MONOVA
MONOVA is also hosting an intimate screening of Dancing Around the Table to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This renowned 1980s film documents the constitutional negotiations of Indigenous leaders with Canadian governments, revealing the fight for inherent rights & self-government at a pivotal moment in Canadian history.
Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required for entry. Entry is pay-what-you-can.
When: Saturday, September 26 – 2:00pm–5:00pm
Where: MONOVA Archives in Lynn Valley
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the SLCC
For visitors travelling to Whistler join the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for a day of reflection on September 30th.
This full day of immersive programming invites guests to reflect on history and connect to the land, through crafts, educational exhibits and tours. You’ll experience cultural sharing and connection by learning about the living culture of the Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl.
Before you leave, be sure to check out the many handcrafted art and wellness products at the Spo7ez Artist Market.
When: September 30, 2026 – 10:00am–5:00pm
These fall events are just some of many opportunities to learn from and experience Indigenous arts, culture and storytelling in and around Vancouver. Year round, there are countless opportunities to discover more Indigenous-led cultural experiences, businesses and attractions.
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