Reconnecting Community and Celebrating Together
A warm invitation for a day of fun and community relations on the traditional Lands of the Lekwungen Peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations.
Celebrate with us!
Event information
Date and time
Wednesday., June 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location
Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Road, Colwood
Admission
Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.
School registration
We welcome all schools!
All educators wishing to bring their schools or classes must email Katie Gaetz, Curriculum Coordinator, Na'tsa'maht Indigenous Education, Sooke School District.
Parking
Limited parking is available. The university encourages the public to consider taking public transit or walking or cycling to Royal Roads along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. Accessible parking will be available for those with a valid permit.
Schedule of events
10:00 a.m.
- Lekwungen Traditional Dancers and Singers perform as participants arrive
10:15 a.m.
- Welcome ceremony, traditional welcome and opening remarks on the shore of the Esquimalt Lagoon
- Prayer
10:30 a.m.
- Traditional canoe landing protocol practice on the shore of the Esquimalt Lagoon led by Lekwungen (Songhees) Nation Elder Butch Dick
12 p.m.
- Field stage opens for performances
- Traditional plant walks on Charlie's Trail along Colwood Creek with Cowichan Elder Kenneth Elliott and TSAWOUT Elder Earl Claxton Jr.
12:30 to 2 p.m.
- Mini Wall Hanging Workshop with Elder Maxine Matilpi, Library showcase space
All day
- Canoe challenges
- Children’s field games
- Children's craft tent
- Frybread station
- Food trucks (food & beverages for purchase)
- Vendors market, and more!
3 p.m.
- Closing ceremony
Map of the site
Shore area map: Canoe protocol, fry bread station, shore stage
Lower field map: main stage performances, food vendors, vendors, field games etc.