Sunday, June 21st marks both Father’s Day and National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. It’s also the first day of summer!
Here in Victoria, there are lots of ways to show appreciation for dad or a father-figure, while celebrating the history and heritage of local Indigenous people at the same time. Learn some new things together, enjoy a meal or beverage (or both!) on a patio downtown, and spend some quality time in good company this weekend.
Learn together
Just like the old days, take the opportunity to bond with the dad-like person in your life by learning and growing together. In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, plan an activity to enhance your knowledge of local Indigenous peoples and their history and modern-day presence on these lands. Visit the Royal BC Museum and nearby heritage site, Thunderbird Park, for an engaging morning or afternoon.
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Delve deeper into Indigenous art and the artists behind the works by visiting Alcheringa Gallery, Eagle Feather Gallery, or Legacy Gallery downtown. Or, for a physically distant activity and point of ongoing discussion, read a book by an Indigenous author together. (Here are some to choose from for adult readers and some for kids and teens.)
Get outside together
While wandering out and about downtown, stop by Robinson’s Outdoor Store, Capital Iron, Ocean River Sports, MEC, or any of the other retailers that specialize in making use of our great outdoors. (Visit our Open for Business page and hit the Shop tab for a list!) Plan a summer camping trip with dad, look at fishing lures and gear, or go for a paddle around the inner harbour. Find a hobby that you can share together and be sure to dedicate a bit of the day to deepening that common interest.
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For another opportunity to get outside with the family, while supporting men’s health at the same time, participate in the Raymond James Father’s Day (Virtual) Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer, also being held this Sunday!
Enjoy a meal together
After a day of learning and talking, you’ve likely earned a break and a treat. Check our Open for Business page (and hit the Eat & Drink tab) to see which downtown Victoria restaurants are currently open. Pick your favourite for a late lunch or early dinner with dad or head over to Market Square for a craft beer beverage on a patio! Both Whistle Buoy Brewing Company and The Drake Eatery & Craft Beer Parlour have expanded their outdoor spaces to accommodate physical distancing measures. There are lots more great eateries in the vicinity too.
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Show your appreciation
Take the opportunity to show your appreciation to the dad(s) or father-figure(s) in your life this Sunday by spending some quality time with them or, if that’s not an option, giving them a call or sending them a thoughtful gift or note.
And don’t forget to also show your appreciation this Sunday, throughout June, and always to the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited the lands we live, work, and play on since time immemorial. June is both Indigenous Peoples History Month and is also the month in which Pride is celebrated so dedicate some time this month to learning, growing, reflecting, and connecting with family, friends, and members of our local community that you may not interact with on a regular basis.
