Plans for expanded Aboriginal Day celebrations in Vancouver this summer were approved by the Vancouver Park Board this week.

The day-long event takes place at John Hendry Park on June 21.

While the annual event has always been held from noon to 5 pm, this year’s celebration has been greenlit to run from 9 am to 10 pm.

It will also feature a live broadcast, courtesy of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).

#VanParkBoard approves Aboriginal Day Live concert at John Hendry Park on June 21 to honour Nat’l Aboriginal Day pic.twitter.com/Hz1dhFNril

— Vancouver Park Board (@ParkBoard) April 11, 2017

Financed in part by the Canada150 fund, the Vancouver broadcast is one of eight that are taking place across Canada that day.

Background

Canada officially designated National Aboriginal Day in 1996, as a way to recognize and celebrate the heritage, cultural diversity, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples across the country.

The event takes place nationwide every year in June, during the solstice.

In 2007, Aboriginal Day Live was launched by APTN.

Aboriginal Day Vancouver 2017

• When: Wednesday, June 21
• Time: 9 am to 5 pm
• Where: John Hendry Park – 3300 Victoria Drive, Vancouver