The ancient practice of war canoe racing is a significant component of Coast Salish culture and instrumental in building community, to socialize and gather, and is a tradition that dates back thousands of years.
Official Indigenous canoe races have not been held in False Creek for more than 100 years, until 2022, and now return once again to the Four Fires Festival 2023, for a weekend of celebration.
Four Fires Festival at Concord Community Park in Northeast False Creek is an Indigenous Cultural Festival, featuring war canoe racing, as well as, traditional and contemporary Indigenous performers and artisans, plus customary foods.
Canoe Cultures, an Indigenous-led non-profit that is dedicated to passing down canoe-building skills, brings together First Nations clubs to compete in canoe races that run from noon through 6 p.m. daily.
Co-organizers of the Four Fires Festival are local canoe carvers Mike Billy Sr. of Squamish Nation (North Vancouver Canoe Club), who is also a seventh-generation master carver, and Dickie Louis, from Musqueam Nation (Celtic Sunset Canoe Club).
"As a canoe club captain and coach for the North Vancouver Canoe Club, I am regularly supporting Squamish paddlers as they race in different parts of the province," explains Billy.
"It brings me great pride to welcome other nations and prepare to have our paddlers race in these waters at the Four Fires Festival."
Paddlers include children, youth, and adults, and make up multiple age categories including men and women elite athletes. Teams from up and down the West Coast of North America compete as singles, doubles, six-man, or 11-man teams in canoes up to 52 feet.
Their hand-carved dugouts come from 500-year-old Western red cedar trees, and are considered part of the team, and as it's been said, "like a member of the family that built it."
Artisans market, artist's showcase
Meet the makers and support Indigenous designers, artisans and artists at their one-of-a-kind market. Vendors are chosen with an emphasis on bringing you the best in handmade creations by the local Indigenous creators selling their goods. You'll find a high-quality mix of homewares, fashion, jewellery, art, beauty products, and more.
The Professional Artist's Showcase is a curated exhibition and showcase, featuring emerging and established Indigenous artists and their work. As part of this exploration, they are creating a virtual art gallery for the artists to preview and promote their art.
Engaging live performances, Indigenous food
A variety of Indigenous artists will perform on the main stage throughout the two-day festival, including:
- George Leach
- DJ Kory Roach
- Jason Burnstick
- Eagle Song Dancers
- Alex Wells
- Rex Smallboy and Others
- Salish Thunderbird
- SEKAWNEE Baker
- Iskwew Singers
- Louis Riel Métis Dancers and Musicians
- Sandy Scofield
- Andrea Menard
Bring your appetite and expect Indigenous-themed farm to table cuisine, curated desserts, and smoked salmon, among others. Food and beverage trucks will be on site, like Salt Spring Noodle Bar, Golden Bannock, and Stephen's Coffee, featuring Spirit Bear Coffee.
"I am excited to share our sport with the broader community as we continue to support the growth of competitive First Nations canoe racing culture," Billy says.
"We'll put on a nice show and you'll see us competing against each other like we have been for thousands of years."
For more information about the festival, visit Four Fires Festival.
