Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents the Canadian premiere exhibition of True to Place: stímetstexw tel xéltel starting June 15th. Curated by artist and muralist Xémontalót Carrielynn Victor (Stó:lō), True to Place: stímetstexw tel xéltel examines the artistic practice of 10 Northwest Coast Indigenous artists, whose expanding boundaries and embracing of contemporary styles and techniques are informed by personal and collective traditions of form, story, and place.
The group exhibition explores a spectrum of colour palettes – from bright neons to muted ochres – and features painting on a variety of mediums, including canvas, wood, paper, sculptural forms, traditional basketry, as well as digital creations.
Top: Carrielynn Victor by Mavreen David. Bottom artwork left to right by: Atheana Picha, Corey Bulpitt, Robert Davidson
True to Place: stímetstexw tel xéltel at the Bill Reid Gallery
When: June 15, 2022 – April 16, 2023
Where: Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art (639 Hornby St, Vancouver)
Thanks to the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA), there is free admission from 2:00pm to 5:00pm every first Friday of the month
“This exhibition offers a compelling perspective into the artistic process of many Indigenous painters from across the Northwest Coast,” says Victor.
“Indigenous artists have historically and persistently seized any new tools at hand as a means of expression, moving forward in their practice from a place of history, tradition, and storytelling. Through the preservation of culture and principles of traditional form, artists use these grounding elements as a springboard to take their art expression further. Through the examination of process, quality, colour, and transformation, visitors are welcomed to explore new approaches, ideas, and innovations in painting that are place-based and story-rich.”
The exhibition’s subtitle – stímetstexw tel xéltel – was chosen with assistance from artist and language keeper, Thomas Jones, in the Upriver Stahlo, Halq’emeylemqel dialect. Translated as “Keeping the pencil moving forward,” the subtitle offers an essential and complementary element to the exhibition’s theme of moving forward from a place of history and tradition.
True to Place: stímetstexw tel xéltelfeatures a striking collection of works from many emerging and established painters from across the Northwest Coast, inspired by contemporary issues, urban environments, and ancestral stories. Contributing artists include Atheana Picha, Corey Bulpitt, Crystal Worl, Eliot White-Hill, Luke Parnell, Ocean Hyland, Robert Davidson, Shawn Hunt, Steve Smith, and Thomas Jones.
A series of ancillary events will support True to Place: stímetstexw tel xéltel and deepen visitors’ understanding of the cultural meaning of painting in relationship to place and connection, including a panel discussion, artist talks, painting workshops, and exhibition tours. Public programs will be offered both in-person and online to reach audiences across the Northwest Coast and beyond.
About the Gallery
The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is a public gallery nestled in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It was named after acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid (1920–1998), a master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, broadcaster, and spokesman. Since opening in May 2008, the Bill Reid Gallery has remained the only public gallery in Canada devoted to contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast, and is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Art Collection, as well as special exhibitions of contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast of North America.
It used to be Vancouver Bird Week, surrounding the World Migratory Bird Day, but there’s just so much to see, do, learn, photograph, and talk about that it’s now a two week long Vancouver Bird Celebration (May 14-31, 2022). Enjoy bird-related workshops, talks, exhibitions, and lectures across the Lower Mainland – and most events are free!
Vancouver Bird Celebration 2022
Birds are a gateway to nature, inspiring connection to and appreciation of the world around us. During May, over 250 species of birds can be seen and enjoyed throughout the Lower Mainland. Watch these feathered heroes perform super feats of strength and agility all over town. No matter your experience level – from expert bird nerd to casually curious – there is sure to be something for you to enjoy through these talks and workshops (some are free but do require registration):
This whole movement was inspired by World Migratory Bird Day, a United Nations-sponsored initiative that recognizes the importance of birds as key indicators of our environment’s health. Find a directory of local birds, resources, and more events online.
The Vancouver Bird Celebration is coordinated by the Stanley Park Ecology Society, and organized by the Vancouver Bird Advisory Committee – a collaborative partnership of non-profits, artists, and other institutions, in partnership with City of Vancouver and Vancouver Park Board – who assist cities, municipalities and organizations in Greater Vancouver to celebrate birds throughout the region.
The longest running offshore fireworks competition in the world, the Honda Celebration of Light, returns to English Bay in Downtown Vancouver this summer with three nights of light, music, and food.
Honda Celebration of Light Fireworks Countries
July 23, 2022 Japan Akariya Fireworks
Akariya Fireworks strive for the absolute safety, as much as the best performance. This team took home 1st place in both the Honda Celebration of Light 2014 and 2017.
July 27, 2022 Canada – Midnight Sun Fireworks
Midnight Sun Fireworks is an award winning team of Yukon Pyrotechnicians; passionate about creating unique shows that bring life to the music in their soundtracks.
July 30, 2022 Spain – Pirotecnia Zaragozana
Founded in 1860, Pirotecnia Zaragozana is one of the most awarded companies in Spain providing you with prestigious, safe and quality shows.
While the fireworks spectacle is free for all to enjoy, there are a few premium experiences that you can book to enhance your viewing experience:
Concord Lounge at the Inukshuk: A chilled-out waterfront VIP lounge with the closest view of the fireworks.
Scotiabank Lounge: Lively social atmosphere with panoramic views from the top of the bathhouse roof at English Bay.
English Bay Grandstand: Reserved bleachers seats with elevated views of the fireworks.
Private Cabanas: Perched atop the English Bay Grandstand, the Private Cabanas offer the most exclusive hosting option for groups or corporate partners. Each cabana hosts up to 24 people per night in an exclusive environment featuring premium food and beverage options.
The Patios: Located on either side of the English Bay Grandstand. Enjoy unobstructed views from your own exclusive patio that can host up to 65 people per night in a lively atmosphere.
Photo Submitted – Honda Celebration of Light grandstand
When it comes to music, multiple pop-up stages will surround English Bay with a selection of BC-based talent performing from day to night. If you’re coming down for dinner, visit West End restaurants and eateries, along with a variety of food trucks that will be on site. New this year, the festival will have a local marketplace/artisan pop-up shopping experience at Morton Park.
Follow the Honda Celebration of Light on Facebook for the latest updates and news.
Adaawx Publishing is released the second edition of the national bestselling book First Nations 101 in print and as an e-book on May 19, 2022. Written by Lynda Gray (Ts’msyen Nation), the book is an accessible primer on contemporary Indigenous issues geared towards both non-Indigenous and Indigenous readers.
The book’s cover art features a killerwhale, the author’s clan, and was created by Phil Gray.
First Nations 101 by Lynda Gray
Pre-order online now. $1 dollar from each sale will be donated to the Ts’msyen Revolution Fund to support language and culture revitalization in laxyuubm Ts’msyen (Ts’msyen territory). The fund was established by Gray and her children, scholar Robin Gray and artist Phil Gray.
The second edition comes more than a decade after the original publication, and features timely updates on current conversations around residential schools, language restoration, decolonization, reconciliation, and more.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen major policy developments and revelations about Canada’s recent past that have impacted Indigenous communities legally and emotionally,” says Gray. “From Canada’s adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to the discovery of 215 children’s remains at Kamloops Indian Residential School last summer, this country’s relationship with Indigenous people has been at the forefront of many minds. First Nations 101 will help both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people understand the true history of Canada, while charting a path forward towards reconciliation.”
First Nations 101was first published in 2011 and has sold more than 26,000 copies to date. At the time of its publication, the book was one of the few sources of information focused on the breadth of issues affecting Indigenous communities across Canada. Gray wanted to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of Indigenous people and culture, and set out to write an easy-to-read introduction. She founded Adaawx Publishing in order to maintain complete autonomy over the writing process. Adaawx is a Sm’algyax (Ts’msyen language) word that translates to “oral history” or “truth telling.”
Gray was inspired to revise and expand First Nations 101 by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, among other recent events. The author spent the past two years during the pandemic doing research and learning from other Indigenous people to ensure the 76-chapter book offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of critical issues.
The second edition includes 16 new chapters:
Traditional Governance
Traditional Economies
Loss of Traditional Parenting Skills
(Mis)Appropriation
Environmental Concerns
Decolonization
Water for Life
Rematriation
Indigenous Feminisms
Sexual & Reproductive Health
Economic Development
Police, Fire & Emergency Preparedness
Indigenous Knowledge
Family Tree & Genealogy Research – Finding Our Way Home
What Is Reconciliation?
How to Become a Great Ally
About Lynda Gray
Lynda Gray is a member of the Ts’msyen Nation on the Northwest Coast of BC (Gisbutwada / Killerwhale Clan). Born in Prince Rupert, she has lived in East Vancouver since she was a child. She and her children have learned about their Ts’msyen culture and community from their participation in the Lax Kxeen Ts’msyen Dance Group, as well as from attending traditional feasts in Lax Kw’alaams. Gray is an active member of the Indigenous community, and her work is grounded in a strong belief in community development, youth empowerment, and culture as therapy. She has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from UBC, was the executive director of the Urban Native Youth Association for eight years, and currently serves on the National Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) Advisory Circle.
Enter to Win
I have three author-signed copies of First Nations 101 (Second Edition) to give away! Here’s how you can enter to win:
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by Surrey Civic Theatres Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
The Spirit of Harriet Tubman is the powerful and award-winning one-woman show, written and performed by Leslie McCurdy, which has toured across North America for 25 years. It’s coming to the Surrey SPARK Stages at the end of the month, sharing this incredible story and performance with local audiences.
The Spirit of Harriet Tubman
When: Sunday, May 29, 2022 at 4:00pm
Where: Main Stage at Surrey Arts Centre (13750 88 Ave, Surrey)
Miss604 readers can get $5 off their Spirit of Harriet Tubman ticket purchase by using the code: SPARK at checkout.
A captivating lesson in recent history, The Spirit of Harriet Tubman shares the story of McCurdy’s personal hero, the legendary Underground Railroad organizer, nurse, and spy, Harriet Tubman. Children of all ages have commented on how inspirational the play is, and after an incredible 25 years on stage, McCurdy hopes to continue inspiring audiences of all ages with her play for many years to come.
“Harriet Tubman is a fabulous character to be recreating,” says McCurdy. “She was such a formidable fighter for human rights, as a woman and particularly a Black woman…I have been told that the play is powerful and inspirational and shares so much information about Harriet Tubman as a person, so I humbly accept that. I know that I love performing it, so perhaps that resonates well.”
For a breathtaking hour, McCurdy portrays Harriet Tubman, captivating audiences as she recreates her incredible life story from the age of six, to her death in her early nineties. She does this by sharing familiar stories, as well as some rarely told, using words said to have been Harriet Tubman’s own.
What is unique about this performance is that while Tubman is well known around the world for her courage, in this performance, McCurdy helps the audience understand Tubman’s unique relationship to Canada. This part of Tubman’s story was largely untold until she brought it to light when she first started touring the performance.
The legend is that Harriet Tubman made nineteen trips into Canada to help free over three hundred Black American slaves. This fact is even more remarkable when you consider Tubman was a small woman, standing just four feet, 10 inches tall. However, she was large in spirit, and she had a drive to care for others, helped everybody she could, and made the world a better place.
The Spirit of Harriet Tubman is a story of human courage and resilience that makes an impact on audiences young and old. The play inspires audiences to believe in their dreams, have the courage pursue them, and recognize their potential to change the world.
Surrey SPARK Stages Weekend
This presentation is part of Surrey SPARK Stages Weekend May 27-29, 2022 at the Surrey Arts Centre at Bear Creek Park.
Surrey Civic Theatres is launching a new series of memory making experiences for kids and families and this weekend will kick it off in style with everything from aerial circus to music, these performances are for the whole family with shows for babies, toddlers, and tweens that grown-ups will love too.
Your Surrey SPARK ticket includes:
The Wee Studio, a special space for make believe for the little ones.
Stories for the Heart, old timey storytelling in a big blanket fort!
Walk through a traditional longhouse arch into the Indigenous Creation Courtyard for a celebration of culture through storytelling, music and art.
Afrobeats & World Music Flashmob Dance, a hip hop dance workshop with Ndidi Cascade & Prince Nii.
Plus, roving performers and many other sparkalicious surprises along the way!
Ticketed performances include an afternoon with Charlotte Diamond, Fred Penner and Rick Scott; The Ambassador of Joy and award-winning puppeteer, Joshua Holden; an all ages dance party and more.
As a part of Surrey Civic Theatres, Surrey SPARK Stages offers spectacular performing arts events and activities for kids and their families throughout the year. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for the latest information.
