Indigenous Programmer — National Indigenous Peoples Day 2026
/ORGANIZATION: City of Burnaby
DEADLINE: February 6, 2026
WEBSITE: https://www.burnaby.ca/recreation-and-arts/events/national-indigenous-peoples-day
CALL FOR ARTISTS:
The City of Burnaby is located on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Peoples, and is seeking an Indigenous programmer to support the planning of Burnaby’s annual National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration taking place on June 20, 2026. The City’s 2026 event will take place the day prior to National Indigenous Peoples Day out of respect for the wishes of participants from the Host Nations and greater Indigenous community, and to better accommodate their participation. The City of Burnaby has a strong commitment to continuing reconciliation with the Host Nations on whose territories Burnaby is located, as well as Indigenous people living in and around Burnaby, and to demonstrating that commitment on National Indigenous Peoples Day and year-round.
Project Summary
• The City has hosted a National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration since 2017. Previous celebrations have included cultural sharing of music and dance, spoken word, storytelling, Indigenous food trucks, as well as free bannock, and an Indigenous vendor market.
• The City’s goal is to increase overall participation and engagement in the celebration in a meaningful way.
• It is important to the City and the event planning team to work with someone who has strong connections to the Host Nations and the Indigenous community in and around Burnaby to help inform the celebration in a culturally safe and respectful way.
What We Are Looking For
The City is seeking an Indigenous Programmer who has connections with the Host Nations—xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem)—as well as with Indigenous people who live in and around Burnaby. In particular, someone who has knowledge of and has worked with Indigenous knowledge holders, performing artists, and artisans.
The Programmer will be paid $10,000 to support the planning and production team with coordinating the celebration, including but not limited to: connecting with knowledge holders, artists, artisans, and other vendors; attending planning meetings; scheduling; day-of run of show; and post-event debrief. The Programmer will ideally be available to start as soon as they are selected in February 2026 to begin working with City staff to plan the event.
Scope of Work
The Indigenous Programmer will guide the planning for National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations scheduled for June 20, 2026, between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm, at Civic Square (adjacent to the Bob Prittie Metrotown Library) at 6100 Willingdon Ave. This work will be done in collaboration with Burnaby staff from the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department and Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Division.
Responsibilities include:
• Curating and programming main stage entertainment (5–6 performances or cultural sharing opportunities including dance, spoken word, and contemporary music)
• Coordinating the stage schedule
• Recruiting a host/MC, drafting a script, and facilitating relationships between performers, knowledge holders, and City staff
• Curating an Indigenous marketplace (20+ vendors; infrastructure provided at no cost)
• Establishing community participation opportunities with Indigenous organizations and/or Host Nations
• Recommending and introducing Indigenous food vendors and securing bannock distribution
• Collaborating on marketing and promotion, including bios and images collection
• Attending planning meetings (monthly via MS Teams, with potential in-person meetings)
• Contributing to event safety planning to ensure cultural safety
• Assisting with volunteer training
• Day-of event support
• Participation in post-event debrief and wrap-up documentation
Excluded from scope: performer and vendor contracting; site management and design; volunteer management; Burnaby Village Museum event contributions.
HOW TO APPLY:
To submit an application, please email a letter of interest and proposal to celebrate@burnaby.ca by February 6, 2026 (midnight PST) with the subject line: Indigenous Programmer NIPD 2026.
Applications must include:
• An introduction outlining qualifications, experience, connection to an Indigenous community, and interest in the opportunity
• Experience working with Host Nations and Indigenous people living in and around Burnaby
• Experience planning public events or learning opportunities related to Indigenous Peoples
• Any additional information demonstrating suitability for the role
• A statement on whether you self-identify as Indigenous (First Nation, Inuk/Inuit, or Métis) and your relationship to Indigeneity
• A proposed vision for the event, including:
– A draft stage schedule and types of performances
– Family-friendly activities
– Proposed community partners and their roles
– Vision for the artisan market and overall atmosphere
Key dates include:
• Deadline to submit proposals: February 6, 2026
• Shortlist notified: February 17, 2026
• Shortlist interviews: February 23–27, 2026
• Final selection and contracts: March 2, 2026
• Project start: March 3, 2026
FEES/COMPENSATION:
The selected individual will receive a total fee of $10,000, paid in four equal installments:
25% upon completion of contracting and first planning meeting (March)
25% upon securing booking of performers and musicians (April)
25% upon obtaining all press release packages from performers and musicians (May)
25% upon completion of the project (June)
