You are invited to join us on March 26th for an all-day celebration of Indigenous culture through various art forms and mediums - the RCA Indigenous Resilience Festival (IRF). The Rotary Centre for the Arts is proud to be hosting this showcase of Indigenous stories, art, and education from over 40 Indigenous Elders, youth, leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs representing over 10 Indigenous bands across BC.
The free, community event, running all day from 10 AM – 9 PM at the RCA, includes performers who will share their knowledge and stories through the creative expression of storytelling, dance, fashion, plant medicine, music, and much more. There will be opportunities for the community to engage with the artists and presenters, a presenter mini-market, a kid's fun zone, food, and workshops.
The RCA is located on the unceded, traditional territory of the Syilx and Okanagan People. We respectfully acknowledge the RCAs presence here, and it is extremely important to us to amplify the voices of Indigenous people and artists from all over BC in by providing opportunities to do so. COVID-19 affected Indigenous people disproportionately. The goal of the IRF is to provide a space to learn, to grow, and celebrate. Each presenter on the Mary Irwin stage will share their own story of resilience from their own unique perspective, including how Indigenous businesses have been impacted and recovered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Another goal of this festival is to find holistic solutions for coping and healing through the trauma COVID-19 has caused. The IRF creates a space where Indigenous context and narrative for pandemics are recognized and shared through thoughtful dialogue and performance.
Some performances and stories may deal with mature issues which include both triumph and trauma-related experiences, therefore audience members may find the strong adult-oriented and emotionally charged subject matter to be sensitive or triggering and not always be suitable for younger listeners.
More information on participants and vendors coming soon!
The Rotary Centre for the Arts respectfully acknowledges that it is located on the unceded, traditional territory of the Syilx and Okanagan People.
.jpg)
