Expressions of Reclamation an Indigenous Artists Talks Series

The Arts Council of New Westminster is hosting Expressions of Reclamation, an Indigenous artists talks series on now until August 12th. Join Indigenous Artists as they share their art, their stories and celebrate their journey of reclamation through art.

Expressions of Reclamation

• When: June 29 to August 12, 2021
• Where: Queen’s Park, Centennial Lodge, New Westminster
  • Events will also be live-streamed on the Art’s Council’s Facebook page, and archived there for viewing anytime after that.
• Tickets: Free. All in-person events take place in Queen’s Park with limited capacity. Registration is required for in-person events.

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.

Artist Lineup

June 21st, Medicine Wheel making with S^yowah (Timothy Elijah) (Archived on Facebook)

June 29th, Coffee Story, Theatre with Cameron Peal (Archived on Facebook)
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
RSVP on Eventbrite to attend
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, 12:00pm – Ribbon Skirt Making with Elder Christy David
RSVP on Eventbrite to attend
Elder Christy David grew up in British Columbia and is a survivor of the Sixties Scoop. An esteemed keeper of knowledge and traditions, she will be sewing an orange ribbon skirt to honour the children and lives lost in Residential Schools. Come listen to the stories and meanings in the fabrics. 

July 30, 6:30 pm – Stand-Up Comedy, Poetry and Storytelling with Mitchell Saddleback
RSVP on Eventbrite to attend
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, 12:00pm – 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.

Follow the Arts Council of New Westminster on Facebook for more information and to watch the videos from this series.