Welcome and Family Story Time with Elders (10am)

Start the day off by meeting local Elders and listen to intriguing stories that have been passed down for thousands of years from Hul’q’umi’num and SENĆOŦEN perspectives. Shake off the winter blues with cultural connections and drumming throughout the day that wil resonate within :)

 

Tzinquaw Dancers (11am)

Witness Hul’q’umi’num cultural dance with the Tzinquaw Dancers, who perform traditional Coast Salish dancing and drumming.

 

Salmon BBQ Lunch (12-1)

Satisfy your appetite with a feast of seafood and bannock. An array of traditional foods will be served that are sure to treat anybody’s taste buds. By donation please.

 

Reef Net Fishery Demonstration with Dr. Nick Claxton (1-1:30pm)

See first-hand one way your lunch used to be caught by local W̱SÁNEĆ fishermen as Dr. Nick Claxton, of the Tsawout First Nation and UVic Indigenous Studies Professor, demonstrates a living tradition that he has helped preserve. The reef net technique is not only a highly effective way to catch fish, but is of great cultural and spiritual value. 

 

Cedar Weaving (1:30-4pm)

Try your hand at cedar weaving with age-old Coastal techniques! Two Cowichan Weavers will help you create your own basic cedar creations to be proud of. By donation please.

 

Wesley Hardisty (2pm)

Wesley Hardisty is from the Dene First Nation in the North West Territories and a Salt Spring Island local for eight years. Wesley is a fiddler and composer whose music blends rock, country, folk, Celtic and Métis sounds. His passionate playing is compelling to watch, his love of music evident.

 

Cultural Competency, Reconciliation & Decolonization Talk (3pm)

Listen to experienced community builders knowledgeable about these topics. Bring your ideas and questions to this open forum for discussing healthy ways to engage, support and take responsibility for Indigenous Resurgence.

 

On the evening before: Saturday Feb 20 – 7 pm Fractured Land

film screening with filmmakers' Q&A. Join us at ArtSpring for a special presentation of an award-winning BC documentary about young Dene lawyer who is poised to become one of this generation's great leaders. A perfect curtain-raiser to Coast Salish First Nations Day!