Nchem?u?s Day brings together Squamish Nation Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and artists for public community event, August 25
Free day of sharing at Presentation House Theatre features artwork unveilings, a carving demonstration, storytelling, comedy, and more
Chief Ian Campbell, Knowledge Keeper Rebecca Duncan, and Janis Campbell of the Squamish Nation open Nchem?u?s Day 2021. Photo by Chelsey Stuyt
Presentation House Theatre presents Nchem?u?s Day: A collaboration on August 25 from 4 to 8 pm indoors and outside on the PHT grounds (333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver)
SEVERAL INDIGENOUS ARTISTS, Knowledge Keepers, Elders, storytellers, and artists from the Squamish Nation will gather for a day of sharing with the public at Nchem?u?s Day.
Celebrating “people coming together”, the free annual community event features artwork unveilings, a carving demonstration, traditional and untraditional storytelling, stand-up comedy, and the chance to join in ancient Indigenous game of slahal.
Participating Squamish Nation leaders and artists include Hereditary Chief Ian Campbell (Welcome, Painting Story, slahal game); Chief Janice George and Willard “Buddy” Joseph (Weaving Story); Elder Lisa Lewis (“Tsunaxen’s Journey” and songs); Elder Sam Seward (Lacrosse Story), Keith Nahanee (stand-up comedy), Knowledge Keeper Rebecca Duncan with Spakwus Slolem (Welcome, slahal); Xwalacktun (carving demonstration), and Swalklanexw Dallas Guss (slahal).
The open-house-style format allows people to move between various sessions and activities at their own pace.
PHT has worked with each of the artists individually over the years, developing collaborative projects and commissioning artwork for its spaces; Nchem?u?s Day marks the first time all of the artists will come together at the theatre.
"Nchem?u?s Day is just a small step in a long journey our theatre company is taking, to better understand our relationship to our colonial past and the damage it has done to all of us,” PHT artistic director Kim Selody says in a release. “It‘s also the beginning of a healthy way forward, as we learn more about each other, our shared history on this land, and the truth of what happened here
“I am always inspired by the generosity, and openness of these artists,” Selody says. “Nchem?u?s Day is a great opportunity to find out more about their culture and history here. It can be a healthy healing experience for all of us. And fun, too.”
Registration for the free event is encouraged at tickets.phtheatre.org, with walk-ins welcome.
More details are at www.PHTheatre.org.
Related Articles
