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 Nations.
Celebrate with us!
An invitation from 2025 co-hosts and partners
Event information
Date
Friday, June 20, 2025
Time
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location
Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Road, Colwood
From the main stage performances to the fry bread station, canoe challenge viewing area and more, view our map of the event site.
Admission
Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.
School registration
We welcome all schools!
Advance registration is required to ensure everyone’s safety and to manage capacity. All educators wishing to bring their schools or classes must register by Friday, June 13. For questions please email Katie Gaetz, curriculum coordinator, Na'tsa'maht Indigenous Education, Sooke School District. Shortly after your registration has been received, you will receive an email with further details regarding transportation and the day's schedule of activities.
Parking and shuttle service
Limited parking is available. Please 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 and shuttle service between campus parking lots and the event site will be available for the duration of the event. View a map of the shuttle service route.
Schedule of events
10 a.m.
- Lekwungen Traditional Dancers and Singers performance at the shore stage
10:30 a.m.
- Welcome ceremony
10:40 a.m.
- Traditional canoe landing protocol practice on the shore of the Esquimalt Lagoon led by Lekwungen (Songhees Nation) Elder Butch Dick with emcee Bradley Dick.
- ANSWER2 drummers arrive on shore
12 p.m.
- Field stage opens for cultural presentations and performances including:
- Joyful Jiggers with Calvin Cairns and Ry Moran
- Esquimalt Singers and Dancers
- Red Buff
- Karen Lee White & Friends
- Ahousaht Drummers and Singers
- Traditional plant walks on Charlie's Trail along Colwood Creek with Cowichan Elder Kenneth Elliott
All Day
- Canoe challenges
- Children's field games
- Children's craft tent
- Frybread station
- Food trucks (food and beverage for purchase)
- Lahal demonstration activity
- Vendors market, partner displays and more!
3 p.m.
- Closing ceremony
*Schedule subject to change
*Please note third party drone use cannot be accommodated at this event.