Vancouver is getting a new Indigenous festival ahead of Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation Day.
ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl (Come Toward the Fire) festival is an Indigenous-led celebration of creativity, culture, and community taking place September 17-18 at the Chan Centre.
The two-day event will highlight Indigenous artists, performers, musicians, speakers, and dance groups from Musqueam and Indigenous nations across Turtle Island (North America).
Come Toward the Fire kicks off with free, outdoor activities including Indigenous vendors, food trucks, community presentations and film screenings, and cultural workshops and performances hosted by Quanah Style, a Two-Spirit Cree musician and drag performer.
The first day will end with an evening concert featuring over 12 artists and dance groups. The concert will also be broadcast on CBC Music, Radio One, and CBC Television on September 30 for National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
The second day is dedicated to an evening concert by Buffy Sainte-Marie.
Other Indigenous festivals around Vancouver
Though this year's National Indigenous Peoples Day has already passed, next year's will be on June 21 and there will be much more Indigenous events and festivals nearer to that date. In the meantime, in the months to come here are some other Indigenous festivals, exhibits, and events to bookmark.
This festival celebrates traditional indigenous canoe racing and canoe carving. There will also be visual and performance art, dancing, and live music by award-winning musicians.
When: September 10-11
Where: Concord Community Park - 50 Pacific Blvd
Cost: Free
Sacred Journey at Science World
This exhibit celebrating Northwest Coast canoe cultures features modern Northwest Coast style art and mask carving while telling the story of Indigenous peoples reclaiming traditions and ways of life. The story is told through art, immersive audio, video displays, and interactive experiences, and is produced by the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, SeeQuest Development and Greencoast Media.
When: Open now until February 20, 2023
Where: Science World - 1455 Quebec St
Cost: Free admission for Indigenous Peoples; Adult $30; Youth and Senior $24; Child $20
Indigenous Culture in Community Exhibit
This free nine-day celebration highlights the work of Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh Nations, Coast Salish and Urban Indigenous artists within the community. An opening reception kicks off the exhibition and events which take place both at the Roundhouse and several city parks.
When: September 22 through October 1 (9:30 a.m. -9:30 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. weekends); opening reception on September 22 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Various locations; Opening Ceremony at the Yaletown Roundhouse - 181 Roundhouse Mews
Cost: Free
Vancouver's Indigenous fashion designers and creatives take the catwalk during fashion's busiest seasons. This recurring event helps drive Indigenous fashion forward and showcase talent in the city.
When/Where: TBA
