Hello everyone! We hope you are all having a great start to 2024. February has just begun, and there are many important events happening this month. As some of you likely know, Feb. 14th is the annual Women's Memorial March. This is a day to remember and honour MMIWG2S, and the memorial march movement that began in Vancouver in the early 90s. Keep an eye on the blog, as it will be featured in its own upcoming post!
In addition to the memorial march, there are many other community events going on this month! Some have even sold out, like Angela Steritt’s presentation at Burnaby Public Library, and the Making Cedar Roses workshop at the Museum of Vancouver! It’s awesome to see so many people engaging, but don’t fear if you haven’t made any plans yet - there is much more still in store:
Online & Hybrid
When: Feb. 15th, 7:00pm
Where: Online, and at SFU Harbour Centre (515 West Hastings St., Vancouver, BC)
Cost: Free RSVP (Open community event)
Come listen to Dr. Tabitha Robin, Métis and Cree writer, researcher, and educator at UBC, present stories of Indigenous food initiatives across western Canada, and good news stories around Indigenous food and food culture.
When: Feb. 19th - 25th, multiple events
Where: Online, and multiple locations in Vancouver (see event schedule)
Cost: Free RSVP (Open community event)
Annual performance festival celebrating contemporary female Indigenous dance.The festival features live performances, educational workshops, and circle conversations led by local and international Indigenous artists. Check out the link for the full schedule, including an introductory Hoop Dance workshop on Feb. 20th!
Cafe Scientifique at the Musqueam Cultural Centre
When: Feb. 29th, 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Where: Online and at 4000 Musqueam Avenue Vancouver, BC V6N 3S2
Cost: Free, RSVP required
Join Indigenous leaders and researchers from UBC as they delve into the critical topic of the gut microbiota and its impact on Indigenous health at the Musqueam Cultural Centre. This Cafe Scientifique event includes a film screening of “Let Them Eat Dirt”, a panel discussion, and refreshments from Salishan Catering.
When: Feb. 29th, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free RSVP
Join professor, traditional knowledge keeper, consultant and activist Len Pierre for a discussion about what it means to center cultural safety through Indigenous perspectives. Len explores the “tyranny of efficiency” (the way in which institutions prioritize quick fixes over meaningful change), and explores how to move forward in more informed ways through his perspective as a Coast Salish Katzie man.
Vancouver
When: Feb. 9th, 7:00pm
Where: SFU Harbour Centre (515 West Hastings St., Vancouver, BC)
Cost: Free, RSVP required
Join the SFU English deptartment in conversation with Vancouver-based, short story writers Sam Wiebe (author of the Wakeland novels) and Carleigh Baker (author and teacher of nêhiyaw âpihtawikosisân and European descent). Q & A and reception to follow.
When: Feb. 23rd, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Where: 285 East 5th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5T 1H2
Cost: Free, RSVP required
Get a tour of the Native Education College’s (NEC’s) stunning longhouse, hear from NEC student resources, and learn more about their certificate and diploma programs available!
Hope
When: Feb. 10th & 24th, 5:00pm - 10:30pm
Where: 59389 Lougheed Highway Hope, BC V0X 1L0
Cost: $12, RSVP
Lighting the Path is an interactive outdoor light experience in the Syéx̱w Chó:leqw Adventure Park. Walk through an immersive display honouring residential school survivors and celebrating the hope, stories, and laughter of children today who are being raised in their culture. The walk takes approx. 45min, and is appropriate for viewers of all ages!
Kelowna
When: Feb. 25, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Where: 1304 Ellis Street Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Z9 at The Laurel Packinghouse
Cost: $17.31 - $22.63, and free for members of Indigenous nations (see event link)
Immerse yourself in the captikʷɬ of How Names Were Given. This program is great for kids and families, as well as anyone looking for a deeper understanding of this story.
Language learning workshop series:
Where: 1304 Ellis Street Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Z9 at The Laurel Packinghouse
Cost: free for members of Indigenous nations (see event link)
This class is a series of four sessions: Feb. 20, Feb. 27, March 5 and March 12.
Learn greetings in nsyilxcən, master some basic vocabulary, and gain a deeper understanding of syilx culture and connection to place! This class is open to everyone, regardless of heritage.
2 workshops: Feb. 20, 6:45pm - 7:45pm and March 12, 6:45pm and 7:45pm
Continue your journey with the nsyilxcen language through a series of dynamic classes. Students are required to have attended nsyilxcen for Everyone (levels 1, 2 and 3) or have a beginner’s understanding of nsyilxcen.
Cover image made by the author, using images from:
Matriarchs Uprising via Instagram
Women’s Memorial March organizing team via Wordpress
Kelowna Museums Society via Eventbrite
Skawahlook First Nation event team via Eventbrite
Native Education College via Eventbrite
Author: Basil Giannopoulos, ITMP Admin & IT Support