Aysanabee und mehr zu "Come Toward the Fire"

The fifth annual ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl (Come Toward the Fire) festival, organized by the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts and Musqueam, will take place from September 18 to 20 in Vancouver, British Columbia. This year’s edition promises to be larger and more vibrant than previous ones, with a focus on showcasing Indigenous creativity, culture, and community through a wide array of artistic and cultural activities. On September 18, attendees can participate in the Day of Knowledge Sharing, which includes workshops, film screenings, and guided tours designed to educate visitors about Indigenous languages, histories, and traditions. This day serves as an introduction to the festival’s mission of fostering understanding and appreciation of First Nations heritage. September 19 will feature the main festival day, offering a dynamic mix of live music, dance performances, DJ sets, food trucks, artisan stalls, and live mural painting. Admission to these events is by donation, reflecting the festival’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. The atmosphere is expected to be lively and welcoming, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds. The festival concludes on September 20 with a grand closing concert held at the Chan Centre hall on the University of British Columbia campus. This event will showcase Indigenous music and voices from across Turtle Island, emphasizing the festival’s dedication to amplifying Indigenous talent and storytelling. The concert will be hosted by Dallas Goldtooth, a prominent figure known for his work in the Emmy-nominated television series Reservation Dogs. He will introduce a lineup that includes Aysanabee, a Juno Award-winning Oji-Cree singer-songwriter who will headline the evening. Other notable performers scheduled for the closing concert include Boslen, a rising Haisla/Vancouver pop and rap artist; Logan Staats, a Juno-nominated Mohawk singer-songwriter; Miss Christie Lee, a Musqueam storyteller and former Vancouver poet laureate; and Siibii, a Juno-nominated Cree pop singer making her Vancouver debut. The event will also feature an opening performance by the Coast Salish dance group Tsatsu Stalqayu, known as Coastal Wolf Pack, and a traditional welcome from Musqueam councillor Alec Guerin. In addition to the performances, the Chan Centre is offering a limited number of free tickets to the closing concert, valued at up to $316, as part of a contest. Interested individuals can enter to win by submitting their entries online. ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl is described as the Chan Centre and UBC’s flagship celebration of Indigenous voices, culture, creativity, and community. It is co-hosted by Musqueam and takes place on unceded Musqueam territory, providing a platform for local and national Indigenous artists to share their work with a broader audience. The festival has been recognized as the 2025 Festival of the Year by BC Live, highlighting its impact and success in the region.