June 21, 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day set aside to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people across Canada. It falls on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, a time many Indigenous communities had already been marking for generations before it became an official day in 1996.
In Vancouver, the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society runs an Elders Program every week of the year, not just on this one day. Indigenous Elders, Residential School Survivors, and Knowledge Keepers aged 55 and up can drop in for a free daily lunch and cultural and wellness activities, with help connecting to housing, income, and legal support along the way.
Every Wednesday morning from 9 to 11am, the centre also runs Elder’s Bingo, a weekly social morning for people 65 and older. If you or someone you know could use a welcoming place like this, email elders@vafcs.org or call 604-251-4844 to ask about joining in.