Celebrating people coming together
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Thursday, August 25
Open House Style
Join us for a fun day of sharing with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, artists, storytellers and friends. Celebrating “people coming together”, this free annual community event features artwork unveilings, a carving demonstration, traditional and untraditional storytelling, stand-up comedy, and the chance to play the ancient Indigenous game of Slahal.
Enjoy food, song and dance, and some friendly rivalry!
Everyone is welcome to this FREE event!
4:00 to 8:00pm
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Nchem?u?s Day takes place indoors and outside on the grounds of Presentation House Theatre. The event’s open house format allows people to move between various sessions and activities at their own pace.
Registration for this FREE event is encouraged. Walk-ups are welcome.
Program*
•Please note: To allow for wonderful spontaneous moments, all times are approximate.
4:00 pm – 5:00pm
Welcome & Cedar brushing – With Chief Ian Campbell (Hereditary Chief), Knowledge Keeper Rebecca Duncan with Spakwus Slolem
Carving demonstration – by Xwalacktun
Weaving unveiling and story – by Chief Janice George and Willard “Buddy” Joseph
Artwork story and unveiling – by Chief Ian Campbell (Hereditary Chief)
5:00 pm – 6:00pm
Slahal Game – with Swalklanexw Dallas Guss, Chief Ian Campbell (Hereditary Chief), Knowledge Keeper Rebecca Duncan with Spakwus Slolem. North Lawn
Lacrosse Story – by Elder Sam Seward. Weaving Room (2nd Floor)
“Tsunaxen’s Journey” reading and songs -by Elder Lisa Lewis. Studio (2nd Floor)
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Outdoor feast and gathering – Everyone welcome!
Stand Up Comedy -with Keith Nahanee. PHT Mainstage Theatre
We are grateful to the Squamish Nation leaders and creators who are sharing with us in this event. Over the years, we have worked with each of these artists individually developing collaborative projects and commissioning artwork for its spaces. Nchem?u?s Day marks the first time they will all come together at the theatre.
Chief Ian Campbell (Hereditary Chief) – Welcome, Painting Story, Slahal Game
Knowledge Keeper Rebecca Duncan with Spakwus Slolem – Welcome, Slahal Game
Chief Janice George and Willard “Buddy” Joseph – Weaving Story
Elder Lisa Lewis – “Tsunaxen’s Journey” and songs
Elder Sam Seward – Lacrosse Story
Xwalacktun – Carving Demonstration
Swalklanexw Dallas Guss – Slahal Game
Keith Nahanee – Stand Up Comedy
Indoors and outside on the grounds of Presentation House Theatre, 333 Chesterfield Avenue at 3rd Street, North Vancouver
Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories
Original Artwork by Xwalacktun