National Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Sunday June 21st) is a time to recognize and engage with
the cultures, histories, and ongoing presence of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
For many people, the intention to acknowledge the day is there. The question is how to do that
in a way that feels thoughtful, grounded, and real.
This gathering offers a way in.
The morning is built around a guided 108 sun salutation practice. In yoga, 108 is traditionally
used to mark moments of transition and reflection. It creates a steady rhythm that allows you to
stay present long enough to notice your thoughts, your body, and your attention as they shift.
Here, that practice is placed within a broader context.
The gathering opens with a welcome from an Elder or Knowledge Keeper, grounding you in the
land you are on and the space you are entering. You are given context, so you understand what
you are part of and how to move within it respectfully.
From there, you move through the practice at your own pace. There is no expectation to
complete all 108. The structure supports your attention, your learning, and your awareness of
how you’re participating, both in relation to the land you’re on and the cultural roots of the
practice itself. Teachings are shared in a way that feels natural and easy to follow, so you’re not
left trying to figure out when to move or when to listen.
June 21 also marks the Summer Solstice and the International Day of Yoga. For many
participants, this brings an added layer of awareness. Yoga comes from a lineage and culture
that may not be your own. Holding that awareness while practicing can shift the experience from
something familiar into something more intentional.
What tends to stay with people after this kind of experience is not just the movement, but the
shift in how they relate to it. The land is no longer just where you practiced. The teachings are
not separate from the experience. There is a greater sense of context, and a different level of
attention you carry forward.
You are not expected to arrive with the right words or a clear understanding of Reconciliation.
You are entering a space where you can listen, participate, and take part in something that is
held with care.For many people, Reconciliation feels distant or abstract. This special day offers a way to
engage with it directly, in a way that is embodied and shared.
At the close of the practice, there is an optional cedar brushing ceremony. It is explained clearly,
and you can choose your level of participation with full understanding. Participants will also be
provided their own locally-harvested cedar bough to have at their mat during practice and to
take home after the event.
The gathering is intentionally limited to 30 participants to keep the space personal and well held.
Suggested donation is $30, with contributions supporting local Indigenous initiatives, including
Elder support and youth programs.
If you want to mark this day in a way that is active, guided, and grounded in shared experience,
we invite you to join in.
The space has been graciously donated by Epic Yoga who is situated on these lands and has
served the community of Maple Ridge since 2007. The goal at Epic is to provide down-to-earth,
all-levels classes that support real people through movement, mindfulness, and connection. We
hope to achieve this here today and always.
Event Venue
EPIC Yoga & Fitness Studio, 22838 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge, BC V2X 2V6, Canada
CAD 30.00
