Traditional war canoe racing takes place this weekend at Snuneymuxw First Nation's No.1 reserve off Needham St. (SFN)

By Ian Holmes

Snuneymuxw Days

Event-packed Snuneymuxw Days to draw thousands to Nanaimo

Jul 24, 2025 | 5:33 AM

NANAIMO — While Indigenous-only athletes are competing, Snuneymuxw Days is open to everybody.

In its third year of hosting the popular athletic and social gathering showcasing Snuneymxuw First Nation culture, coordinator Kate Good said Snuneymuxw days is a fully inclusive, family-friendly event.

“Absolutely, that’s the whole point is opening it up to make this an open event for anybody and everybody to come and check out Snuneymuxw Days,” Good told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Taking place between Friday, July 25 and Sunday, July 27, most activities are taking place at SFN’s No. 1 reserve in south Nanaimo off Needham St.

War canoe races, a basketball tournament, kids zone, food trucks and vendor market are all among the scheduled events and attractions.

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Stating Snuneymuxw Days is based on providing a positive, pro-social offering for people of all ages, Good said strong support, including corporate partners, make this event a reality.

“There’s lots of pieces to get into place. We’ve been knee-deep in planning since February.”

Some athletes are traveling from as far as Washington State, with Good noting athletes of all ages are participating.

She noted a particular popular draw is the war canoe races, which starts Friday at 3 p.m., featuring 11-members racing along the shoreline.

Good emphasized Snuneymuxw Days is a drug and alcohol-free event.

“Drugs and alcohol are so rampant right now in our background, throughout Nanaimo here – if this is helping to redirect and keep our youth on the right path, then let’s keep doing it.”

Good estimates over 1,000 athletes, their family and friends, as well as SFN staff/volunteers will be on hand throughout the weekend.

She said expanded parking has been established off Centre St. to accommodate visitors to SFN territory.

More details on Snuneymuxw Days, including a detailed itinerary, is available here.

A vendor market is included in Snuneymuxw Days festivities. (SFN)

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