Expressions of Reclamation: Indigenous Artists Talks Series

These free artist talks provide a safe and welcoming space for the community to learn from and be inspired by diverse Indigenous practices and creative expressions. A short Q&A session will follow each showcase presentation.

All in-person events take place in Queen's Park with limited capacity. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for in-person events. Check-in at the Gallery/Centennial Lodge that day for directions to the event. If you have trouble registering, please email crystal.lan@acnw.ca .

Events will also be livestreamed on the Art's Council's Facebook page. Make sure you follow @artscouncilnw to stay up to date.

Dates:

June 29, 6:30 pm – Coffee Story, Theatre with Cameron Peal at Centennial Lodge

Cameron Peal is a Vancouver-based artist hailing proudly from the Nisga'a Nation. He acts, writes, directs, paints and writes poetry. His one-man show, The Coffee Story, is a humorous reflection on family, the effects of colonialism, and coffee. Contains mild swearing.

July 24, 12:00pm – Lady’s Fancy Shawl dancing demonstration with Fawnda Bullshields at Queen’s Park (meet at Centennial Lodge)

Fawnda Bullshields is from the Blood reserve in Southern Alberta. She works for Squamish Nation as a social justice social worker and teaches powwow lessons and beading. Watch Fawnda teach her students the beautiful, athletic, Lady’s Fancy Shawl Dance, where graceful dancers wear colourful fringed shawls that sway with each movement.

July 29, 12:00 pm – Ribbon Skirt Making with Christy David at Centennial Lodge

Elder Christy David grew up in British Columbia, Canada. Her work has been ordered throughout North America. The moccasins, beaded earrings, ribbon shirts, ribbon skirts have been accepted into ceremonies from Sweat Lodges to Powwows. Her education with the University of Regina (1998) guided her to sharing circles, where she presented pouch workshops and beaded presentations to youth as well as Elders. Christy David has danced Powwow Women’s Traditional for 36 years. Her favorite communication method with customers is through Facebook. Her most recent project was being an extra in a film called "Kiri and the Girl". She played an Elder.

July 30, 6:30 pm – Stand-Up Comedy, Poetry and Storytelling with Mitchell Saddleback at Queen’s Park (meet at Centennial Lodge)

Mitchell Saddleback is a Vancouver-based actor, writer, comedian and storyteller from the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta. He co-wrote and starred in The Bannocking, a horror web series featuring an all-Indigenous cast on CBC Gem, and has featured in films and theatre shows including Cold Pursuit, Th'owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish, and Pawâkan Macbeth. Mitchell’s stand-up comedy and poetry night offers brand new poems with insights on pursuing the arts while Indigenous. Join us for a delightful night of wit, empathy, and reflection.

August 12, 12:00 pm – Fabric Designs with Kaija Heitland (Online only)

Kaija Heitland is a Vancouver-based tattooer, beadworker and fabric artist from the Cowichan Valley Métis Nation. Her designs showcase the unique patterns, arts, culture, and history of her people. Her company, Indigenous Nouveau, brings greater visibility for her people in British Columbia. Join Kaija online as she shares her design process and watch her incorporate Indigenous values into all aspects of her fabric production!

"I've noticed that whenever there are words like reconciliation or reclamation it has to do with land claims [...] but I'm interested in artists who use their creativity and art expression to reclaim their identity, their place in their nation, to connect to who they are." - Timothy Elijah

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The Arts Council (est 1967) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to encourage, nurture and infuse creative spirit in New Westminster. We thank the Deux Mille Foundation for supporting this series.