An Indigenous cultural event is being planned in Chilliwack, in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Rooted Waters & Cultural Showcase, on June 17, is being billed as a "powerful evening of Indigenous storytelling, culture, and community."
The event is a partnership between the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre and Ch’íyáqtel First Nation (Tzeachten). It all begins with an Indigenous vendor marketplace, featuring food, artisan crafts, cultural treasures and a chance to gather with community. That runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Cultural Centre, and is free and open to the public.
Then from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be a ticketed event with a film and a live performance.
Rooted Waters is a moving video storytelling project honouring the nine Indigenous nations connected to Chilliwack, featuring Sonny McHalsie (Naxaxalhts’i).
“We’re deeply honoured to present this celebration alongside our community partners,” said Leanna Kemp, CEO of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce. “Rooted Waters is more than a video series — it’s a tribute to the people, history, and resilience of Indigenous communities in this region.”
The Indigenous Sturgeon Story, as part of the Travels with Salmon Story, is a live performance piece written by Gracie Kelly from Temexw Teachings.
From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., the evening gathering will continue with more free cultural offerings. There will be traditional wood carving and live art, Indigenous and local food trucks, and more time to gather, connect, learn from each other and celebrate. Peggy Janicki, author of The Secret Pocket and Nicola Campbell, author of Stand Like a Cedar will also be on hand, signing books and meeting with book lovers.
The showcase invites guests of all backgrounds to listen, learn, and engage in a meaningful day of celebration and cultural appreciation.While the gathering portions of the event are free and open to the public, tickets for the 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. portion of the evening are $70. Members of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce pay a reduced price of $45. Tickets include a $10 food voucher, a $10 market vendor voucher, and the theatre ticket.
To register and purchase a ticket, visit the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce website or the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
June is National Indigenous History Month, and National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21. The day takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It is also a time that "holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration," according to the Government of Canada.
