Vancouver’s Canada 150+ events start Friday.
The city, under direction from Vancouver’s Urban Aboriginal Peoples Advisory Committee, and with permission from Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, is presenting several events this month.
The first signature event of the Canada 150+ program is the Gathering of Canoes landing at Vanier Park July 14. Mayor Gregor Robertson, park board chairman Michael Weibe and park board commissioner Stuart Mackinnon will join the group, which is composed of up to 30 canoes and more than 350 paddlers.
The event not only marks the beginning of Canada 150+, it is also the first Vancouver landing for the Pulling Together Canoe Journey in 16 years. Pulling Together is a 10-day voyage along traditional highways from the Sunshine Coast to Vancouver with paddlers from First Nations, public service agencies and youth groups. The public is invited to witness traditional landing protocol where paddlers request permission from the chiefs of Vancouver’s three host Nations, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh.
The canoes will leave Ambleside at 10 a.m. and arrive at Vanier Park by the Vancouver Maritime Museum between 11:30 and noon. The event, which runs until 4 p.m. will also feature a welcome to guests and canoe pullers, traditional songs by the three host Nations and performances by invited dance groups, as well as remarks from dignitaries about their canoe experience, and entertainment.
Another signature event is The Drum is Calling Festival. The Drum is Calling is a nine-day, immersive celebration of indigenous and diverse arts and culture. Events are taking place daily from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at various venues July 22-30. Highlights of this free, family-friendly festival, include performances by Buffy Sainte-Marie, Inuktitut alt-country rising stars the Jerry Cans and award-winning music producer DJ Shub. Locations include Larwill Park (on Cambie between Georgie and Dunsmuir streets), Playhouse Theatre, Vancouver Public Library atrium, and Queen Elizabeth Theatre lobby and plaza.
For more information visit www.canada150plus.ca/drum-is-calling-festival.html.
A third signature event, Walk for Reconciliation, is scheduled for Sept. 24. Join tens of thousands of Vancouverites to walk together for reconciliation. The legacy of Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, the walk will remind participants of the healing and transformational power of ‘Namwayut – We Are All One.
For more information on all the Canada 150+ events visit www.canada150plus.ca/events.html.
@JessicaEKerr
