Chief Robert Joseph is a Hereditary Chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation, one of the last speakers of the Kwakwaka’wakw language, and will speak at the event.
Vancouver, a city on unceded Coast Salish traditional land, is a place where we celebrate diversity, welcome new Canadians, and share a sense of community that embraces our differences. However, the Vancouver and the Canada of today is built over a painful history that has lasting repercussions, ones that become apparent regularly, such as with the tragic recent suicides at Attawapisket. While these histories and realities can be uncomfortable for some to confront, sharing meaningful stories can both show us how far we have come and, and how far we have to go. Through a celebration of culture, we can all take part in sharing the land and the history of it, including the history that came long before European settlements.
On April 22, everyone is invited to join local Indigenous elders, performers, and children for a variety show event to celebrate a shared future though reconciliation. All proceeds are going to Coast Salish Youth projects to enrich their understanding and the preservation of Coast Salish heritage.
Lee Maracle, one of the first Indigenous women published in Canada, will be speaking.
“This is an event that brings the beauty of Elder’s storytelling together with award-winning musicians, comedy, and filmmaking for a unique variety show that reaches back into the history of Canada and forward to a shared future,” says Khelsilem, who is a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw educator and language revitalization activist. “If we can acknowledge the honest truths about the history of Vancouver, armed with these stories we have a chance at understanding the stories of this land beneath our feet.”
Juno-winner blues guitarist George Leach will be performing.
What to expect? Captivating speakers, traditional dance, film, live music, and comedy for all ages.
Tickets are free for children, and then range from $19 – $99. All proceeds go to these three causes:
- Twenty-one Tsleil-Waututh youth are travelling to Aotearoa for Indigenous youth sharing
- Kwi Awt Stelmexw is delivering language revitalization
- Coast Salish Cultural Network is mentoring youth in digital storytelling.
Click here to purchase tickets that help preserve our shared nation’s history.
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