FREE EVENT! 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Celebrating people coming together

Everyone is welcome to this FREE event.

Spaces are limited. Registration is required.

Learn more about Nchem?u?s Day and Slahal in this terrific North Shore News article by Elisia Seeber interviewing Swalklanexw Dallas Guss. (July 9, 2021)

Nchem?u?s Day is a special community gathering for people of all cultures and ages. Come together, learn and play Slahal, one of the most popular ancient games on Coast Salish territories. Enjoy food, song and dance, and some friendly rivalry.

Slahal, also known as Stick Game or Bone Game, is an ancient sacred First Nations game. In this video, students in Chemainus learn to play.  Produced by TAKE 5 Publications – print and digital media.

“More than a game . . . (Slahal) is an ancient ritual used many years ago for families to settle disputes . . . a way to make peace in conflict. Rather than go to battle, they’d have a game.
The one who won the game, won the dispute. And the other team never spoke of it again.
Teamwork. Concentration. Social engagement. There’s a lesson for everyone.” — Take 5 Productions

Presented in partnership with Swalklanexw Dallas Guss from the Squamish Nation, Spakwus Slolem (Eagle Song Dancers, Squamish Nation) and Tsatsu Stalqaya (Coastal Wolf Pack, Musqueam Nation).

On the lawns of Presentation House Theatre, 333 Chesterfield Avenue at 3rd Street, North Vancouver

Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō, and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories

Original Artwork by Xwalacktun