From the shores of skwtsa7s (Island of Dead Men), to the banks of the Sto:lo (Fraser River), Indigenous Cities Vancouver is a collection of stories revealing the land they are from. These stories hold the wisdom of sχʷəy̓em̓ (ancient stories), historical knowledge, and personal experience long since obscured by the city landscape.
An NAC Indigenous Theatre and Savage Society co-presentation
Through music, sound, and storytelling, each unique offering, curated by Indigenous artists and memory holders, evokes connection and invites interaction with the traditional landscapes of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Qiqéyt (Qayqayt), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Katzie, Kwantlen, sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie) Nations.
Walk around the areas highlighted on the map to listen to the stories on location. All you need is a device with you that can run the link in a browser (Internet connection required).
The creation and development of Indigenous Cities adhered to the health and safety guidelines of the regions in which it has been developed. We encourage our audiences to adhere to the COVID-19 restrictions in their own region as they engage in this experience.
The purpose of this story is to share knowledge of Squamish history of the surrounding lands of Vancouver and specifically what is now called Stanley Park, that is rich with legends, history and mysticism. In addition to sharing his cultural knowledge, Kwakwee hopes to further develop the story into a play and motion picture.
On May 24th, 1864, upwards of 4,000 Indigenous witnesses gathered to hear the words of then Governor Fredrick Seymour for the birthday celebration of Queen Victoria. The Promise: 1864 tells the story of this historical event and a promise unfulfilled.
Qekiyeksut (The Boy Who Will Wander) pays homage to the traditional name that has influenced the growth of three generations. Using music and spoken word, Qekiyeksut tells the story of identity in the neighbourhood of what is now known as Mount Pleasant.
On the territory of the Məθkʷəy̓, cousins Quelemia and Chrystal Sparrow share the teachings of the legend of the sʔiɬqey̓ (double-headed serpent), while having a conversation on what it means to be contemporary Musqueam artists.
In I Am Here Grandmother, Rosemary Georgeson tells the story of how childhood memories and the Firehall Arts Centre led her to reclaiming four generations of her family, all propelled by the love for her great grandmother.
