Inaugural Celebrate BC Day Event in Coquitlam a Big Success.

This year's inaugural Celebrate BC Day Event held at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam was a Big Success. Story by LJI reporter Geoff Scott.

Since 1974, BC Day has been celebrated on the first Monday of August as a tribute to the rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant people of British Columbia. The day recognizes the invaluable contributions of Indigenous communities, whose deep-rooted traditions and stewardship of the land continue to shape the province. It also honours the efforts of settlers and immigrants whose hard work and resilience have helped build BC into the dynamic and multicultural place it is today.

This year on August 4th the first ever Celebrate BC event was held at at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam. This inaugural festival honoured both Indigenous heritage and multicultural contributions through a vibrant mix of music, food, and engaging activities. The event was hosted by the provincial government, Kwikwetlem First Nation, and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Immigrant Services Society.

One of the highlights of the event was BC’s largest wild salmon BBQ, hosted by Kwikwetlem First Nation and featuring celebrity chefs Robert Clark and Ned Bell. On site activities included a First Nations story telling tent and a zipline. Of course, there were also a wide variety of food trucks for those who were no able to partake in the free salomon BBQ.

The event's headliner was JUNO Award-winning artist George Leach and other performances included a fashion show by Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, classical music and dance from Goh Ballet, and more.

BC Day is a time for reflection, celebration, and unity—an opportunity for everyone to come together and appreciate the unique identity and shared heritage of the province.