KPU The Gathering Place

A beautiful day spent in nature with Indigenous KPU students, strengthening connections and supporting well-being. 🌿☀️

June is National Indigenous History Month, celebrating and honouring the cultures, histories, and strengths of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. As a university located on the unceded traditional territories of Coast Salish peoples, we encourage everyone to take time to listen, learn, and engage with Indigenous voices, stories, and perspectives. Together, we can help build stronger relationships rooted in respect, understanding, and reconciliation.

🌿 Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in New Westminster! 🌿

Join us on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Moody Park for a day of culture, community, music, and celebration as we honour National Indigenous Peoples Day.

From 9:45 AM to 2:30 PM, enjoy a vibrant lineup of Indigenous performers and cultural presentations, including Coast Salish drumming and singing, traditional Métis dance, powwow and hoop dancing, canoe teachings, and live music. This year's event proudly features Juno Award-winning artist Fawn Wood.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, gather with family and friends, and experience a day filled with learning, connection, and celebration. Food trucks and Indigenous vendors will be on site, offering delicious food and unique handcrafted goods.

Everyone is welcome as we come together to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

📅 June 19, 2026
🕘 9:45 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Moody Park, New Westminster
🌐 https://www.newwestcity.ca/calendar-of-events/events/8581.php

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Join us for an incredible reading session with the talented author and activist Katlia Lafferty as she shares powerful excerpts from her latest book, Mother Earth Is Our Elder.

🌎This Globe and Mail Bestseller invites readers to immerse themselves in Indigenous wisdom and strengthen their bond with the land. Through captivating stories and personal experiences, Katlia reveals how we can truly listen to, honor and learn from Mother Earth.

Mother Earth is Our Elder is a generous, pragmatic and hopeful book that shows us how to find coexistence with Mother Earth and embrace the wisdom of our local Indigenous communities.

📆 Tuesday, June 16
⏰ 10:00am - 12:00pm
🏫 KPU Surrey
📍 Arbutus 1780

After the reading, don't miss out on the chance to engage in a Q&A session, meet the author in person and purchase signed copies of the book!

Be part of this enriching journey of storytelling, learning and connection!

Don’t miss our webinar featuring an engaging webinar exploring the vital role of Michif language(s) in shaping Métis identity, culture, and wellbeing across their traditional homeland! Happening on June 2nd at 10am. Learn more and register here: https://buff.ly/1wIQsEx

This year’s Global Indigenous Learning Experience group 🌎✈️
These students will explore history, culture, and important issues both here in “Canada” and across the Pacific in Western “Australia” through a two-month hybrid experience.

Today, we also honoured and raised awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ by raising four red dresses on the KPU Surrey campus and staff/faculty beaded Red Dress pins.♥️

Photo: 6 Indigenous students, 2 Indigenous Student Services staff and 2 International staff at KPU.

Join us on May 5 as we honor the National Day of Awareness and Remembrance for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S). ❤️

Take part in a meaningful, hands-on activity:
❤️ Create your own red dress beadwork pin as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity
❤️ Decorate red dress paper cut-outs with red beads and sequins

📆 Tuesday, May 5
⏰ 12:00pm - 2:00pm
📍 The Gathering Place
🏫 KPU Surrey - Maple 166

Come together in reflection, creativity and community as we remember, honor and stand in solidarity. Every action helps keep these stories visible and these lives remembered.

Please note:
*Capacity is limited to 15 participants. FCFS.
*Red Dress pin not exactly as in picture. Beading kits and instructions will be provided.

Looking for a space to talk through your writing? ✍️

Our Indigenous Writer in Residence, Katlia Lafferty, is offering office hours by appointment. 📆
This is a chance to connect one-on-one in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

Whether you’re working on a draft, exploring ideas or just getting started, you’re welcome here.

All appointments will be taken through email only. Katlia is available from 8:00am -4:00pm on Mondays and Fridays until July. Both online and in-person appointments are available.

📅 Mondays and Fridays
⏰ 8:00am - 4:00pm
📩 [email protected]

Book your 1:1 spot with Katlia. Bring your ideas, drafts or questions. All are welcome.

Address Change Alert!!