The City of Vancouver and Creative BC have partnered for the third year in a row to fund 49 Vancouver music projects through the Vancouver Music Fund.
Vancouver Music Fund
The Vancouver Music Fund, launched to implement the Vancouver Music Strategy, started as the first municipal fund of its kind in North America to provide direct support to Indigenous and underrepresented musicians, artists, and groups in Vancouver’s music sector. To date, Vancouver Music Fund programs have supported 173 Vancouver based projects, and 213 projects overall. To view the full list of recipients, and to learn more about these programs, visit Creative BC’s website.
New Projects Funded
The Demo Recording, Music Video, Industry Catalyst programs create pathways into the industry and grow capacity for Indigenous and underrepresented groups. Funded projects include artist Emerald Osagie and producer Morgan Perry who will collaborate on a demo recording; Lady Sinncere’s music video for her song “Northwest Coast Story”; and Mixer: An industry catalyzer for Trans and Enby music professionals, organized by Normie Events Society.
New this year, a partnership with the Province of British Columbia is allowing for the expansion of programs province-wide, funding an additional 40 projects in communities outside of Vancouver. The City contributed $300,000 to the $556,000 investment.
“We’re excited to work with Creative BC and the Province to support the next generation of Vancouver artists in shaping the future of our city’s music scene with a particular focus on amplifying artists from traditionally underrepresented communities,” says Mayor Ken Sim.
Vancouver pop artist Serena Sun received $10,000 to film a music video for her upcoming single “Homecoming” with direction from Hannah Yang. The video will feature themes of personal growth and finding peace within oneself.
Vancouver’s only Indigenous restaurant, Salmon n’ Bannock, opens at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Monday, December 19, 2022, making it the first Indigenous restaurant in a Canadian airport.
Salmon n’ Bannock Photos submitted: Inez Cook, Eric Pateman, Mary Point / Bannock to go and Feel the Beet Power Salad
Salmon n’ Bannock at YVR Airport
“I am thrilled to be bringing Salmon n’ Bannock to a world-class airport and proudly showcasing my heritage in the form of food with travellers from around the world to enjoy,” says Inez Cook, a member of Northern BC’s Nuxalk Nation and a Sixties Scoop survivor. Before co-founding Salmon n’ Bannock in 2010, Cook was a flight attendant for 33 years; she was based out of YVR for 25 years. “Our new location at YVR feels like a fitting extension of my two loves: travel and food.”
Salmon n’ Bannock On The Fly will feature the fresh, authentic Indigenous cuisine that made the bistro an internationally celebrated award-winner. On the menu will be favourites like the Feel the Beet Salad and Urban Salmon Burger, plus exclusive new offerings that reflect the central role food plays in Indigenous cultures.
“Salmon n’ Bannock is a long-standing Stakeholder of Indigenous Tourism BC and to see them open their second location at YVR is an inspiring and a significant milestone,” said Brenda Baptiste, Chair of Indigenous Tourism BC. “This important addition to YVR’s roster of restaurants acknowledges the power of unique perspectives, accountability and a shared vision to support the development of a sustainable Indigenous tourism economy, thus supporting the economic recovery of BC.”
Salmon n’ Bannock On The Fly is located post-security in International Departures. And, like the bistro’s first location on Vancouver’s busy Broadway Street, it will feature works from her Indigenous artist friends.
Photo submitted: Bannockwiches
For five years now, YVR, which sits on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people, has held a Sustainability and Friendship Agreement with Musqueam, the first agreement of its kind in Canada.
“We are incredibly delighted that Inez has chosen to open a Salmon n’ Bannock location at YVR. Travellers are now able to enjoy more fresh, locally made Indigenous food in the terminal or take it as grab-and-go for their aircraft journey,” said Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “At YVR, we continue to connect travellers with the taste of British Columbia’s diverse and exciting flavours, showcasing the best of our region through food, hospitality and service. The introduction of Salmon n’ Bannock is a step forward on our journey of reconciliation and the recognition of the importance and desire to have indigenous-run businesses at YVR.”
Once open, Salmon n’ Bannock On The Fly will be available for breakfast, lunch and dinner for international travellers to experience food created by the original stewards of the land.
“I am honoured to be working with the Musqueam community to follow local protocols during this process and with YVR on this meaningful collaboration on a path towards reconciliACTION,” says Cook.
The holiday season is ramping up, the kids will be out of school, and there’s a lot to do around town! Miss604 is proud to sponsor Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village and Christmas at Canada Place, both free events for the whole family. Find these and many more things to do in Vancouver this weekend listed below:
Things to do in Vancouver This Weekend Dec 16-18, 2022
The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim is officially returning to English Bay for 2023! This will be the first in-person swim event in three years, and will mark the 103rd anniversary of the annual New Year’s Day tradition.
Registration:Registration is now open, and participants should register in advance to receive their participation certificate.
The event moved to a “digital dip” at the last minute in 2022, in accordance with COVID-19 public health orders. This year, swimmers and spectators will be welcomed back to take their annual frigid swim in the waters at English Bay.
“Vancouver’s Polar Bear Swim is one of the largest and oldest in the world, and we’re delighted the Park Board is able to once again host such an important and fun community tradition,” said Tony Syskakis, Supervisor of Aquatics for the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. “It’s always amazing to see so many people come together to start the year off with an exciting challenge.”
Indoor spaces will be available including change rooms, washrooms, lockers, or warming tents, however, it is always recommended swimmers to come swim-ready. Portable toilets will be available on site.
Organizers will also be bringing back other fan favourites including live DJ, food trucks and more.
Swimmers entering the 100-yard race should meet behind the start line. The first three swimmers to touch the marker buoy by the lifeguard boat should give their names to the lifeguard.
After the swim, participants can pick up their commemorative button at the centre-tower Family Zone or Information Tents spread throughout the beach.
The event will have a designated family area along with an accessible beach mat for participants.
2023 Polar Bear Swim commemorative merchandise, such as hoodies, toque and t-shirts are available for purchase online with a limited amount available for purchase on site.
Additional safety considerations
If you have a heart problem – just watch.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please leave your dog at home.
Do not drink. Alcohol does not warm you up; it accelerates hypothermia.
Do not stay in the water longer than 15 minutes. Body heat is lost 25 times faster in water than in air.
Do not remove your clothing until swim time. The swim will be started by a flag and siren.
History of the swim
In 1920, Peter Pantages and nine other brave swimmers started their New Year in style by plunging into the chilly waters of English Bay. The group became known as the Vancouver Polar Bear Club. Since then, the swim has grown into a much loved highlight of the holiday season.
Polar Bear Swim Founder Peter Pantages. Photo 1927 by Stuart Thomson.
Peter’s granddaughter, Lisa Pantages, will also be joining for her 61st swim – all but two have been at English Bay.
“I’m so excited our community can be together once again this year, and to experience the energy down at the beach,” said Pantages. “Whether it’s your first Polar Bear Swim or your 40th, everyone goes in with the same spirit, and out with a fresh outlook on the New Year.”
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Events have been slowly making a comeback this year and while some of the big festivities may not be on the calendar, there are quite a few local attractions that are offering some fun for a family friendly New Year’s Eve in Vancouver, and beyond:
Family Friendly New Year’s Eve in Vancouver – Ring in 2023
The Robson Square ice rink will have live entertainment on December 31st, with Rumba Calzada on stage from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The rink will be open until 11:00pm. It’s free to skate if you bring your own skates, otherwise there is a $5 rental fee.
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum will be open until 9:00pm on New Year’s Eve. This free, family-friendly attraction dazzles with lights, music, and sweet treats around a 10 acre open air museum site.
The Vancouver Maritime Museum has planned a whole lineup of activities on December 31st, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The St. Roch’s bells will ring in 2023!
There’s a New Year’s Eve Toonie Skate at Kensington Complex in Burnaby. Drop-in, have fun gliding on the ice and enjoy family-friendly activities. Admission is $2 per person and free for children 3 years and under. Skates and helmet are included in the admission fee.
Visit the Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain on December 31st for snowshoeing, ice skating, a stroll through the mountaintop light walk and more.
Skate at the Winter Ice Palace in Surrey on December 31st, at the Cloverdale Arena (6090 176 Street). Last session ends at 6:00pm.
And a reminder, TransLink is offering free transit for all services this New Year’s Eve from 5:00pm until 5:00am on January 1. During these hours, fare gates at SkyTrain stations will remain open and customers won’t be required to tap Compass Cards or other payment methods. Customers who begin trips before 5:00pm are advised to tap out as normal to ensure they’re charged the correct fare.
This list will be updated as more event details become available.
Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attraction and event news »
