Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s The Path Forward celebrates Indigenous cultures, June 24
The free day-long event falls on the heels of National Indigenous Peoples Day
The Path Forward.
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents The Path Forward on June 24 from 1:30 to 7 pm at the Orpheum Theatre.
THE VSO Indigenous Council and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) are hosting a free community celebration on June 24 in honour of National Indigenous People’s Day (June 21).
The Path Forward, now in its second year, is a free day-long event featuring music, story, dance, fashion, and poetry. It was developed over conversations and consultations with VSO Indigenous Council members and their communities in the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.
Here’s how the day will unfold: From 1:30 to 4 pm, Indigenous vendors of art and fashion will fill the Orpheum lobby spaces.
At 4 pm, the VSO will take to the stage for performance collaborations with the Coast Salish Territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, including Carnival of OUR Animals—a Coast Salish reimagining of Saint-Saëns’ beloved Carnival of the Animals written in collaboration with Knowledge Keepers from each of the three host nations. Also on the program are Chief Dan George’s Coast Salish Anthem and a new orchestration of the Musqueam Paddle Song.
Hosted by Geena Jackson, Frog Clan of the shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation, the concert features special guest artists such as DJ O Show and Rhonda Head.
There will be more time for people to check out the vendors before Pam Baker’s Touch of Culture Fashion Show happens at 5:30 pm back in the lobby.
At 6 pm, a grand powwow finale happens on the Orpheum stage.
VSO convened an Indigenous Council five years ago as part of its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. The Council’s founding members, who devised and developed The Path Forward, were Chastity Davis, chair; Alexander Dirksen, Métis/youth; Lillian Howard, Elder; Orene Askew, Squamish; Dennis Thomas, Tsleil-Waututh; Karen Gerbrecht, VSO musician; Suzanne Anton, VSO Board member and Angela Elster, VSO and VSO School of Music staff.
The VSO Indigenous Council is now chaired by Dennis Thomas (Whoanoak) and its membership includes Orene Askew (DJ O Show), Charlene Grant, Rosie Jonnie Mills, Cristian Markos (VSO musician), Yvanna Mycyk (VSO and VSO School of Music staff), and Elster.
No ticket is required for The Path Forward. More information is at https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/.
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