Talking Stick Festival

The Talking Stick Festival is an annual event in Vancouver that showcases Indigenous art and First Nation’s culture.

The festival used to happen in February in pre-pandemic years. However, the festival ran from June 12th to July 3rd in 2022, and it returns from June 1st until July 2nd in 2023.

See below for more information about the festival in 2023. For full details about each event, see the Talking Stick Festival website.

Talking Stick Festival

The Talking Stick Festival is an inclusive multi-day festival that’s open to the public. It features storytelling, dance, music, theatre and other performing arts and cultural works by a wide range of Indigenous artists.

The 22nd edition of the Talking Stick Festival takes place from June 1st to July 2nd in 2023. The theme for this year’s event is “Summer Reverb”, uniting sound and voices.

The Festival in 2023

There are a number of events set to take place over the course of the month-long festival in 2023. Below are details about some of the most notable ones. For the full schedule of events visit the Talking Stick Festival website.

Opening Reception

(Thursday, June 1st, at 9:00 pm)

The festival kicks off with an Opening Reception at The Cultch Historic Theatre at 1895 Venables Street. It’s an evening of free refreshments and live entertainment. There’s fiddle music, Métis jigging, Ukrainian tunes, and more.

Talking Stick Festival Summer Reverb Gala

(Friday, June 9th, at 8:00 pm)

This is a ticketed event at SFU Woodwards at 149 West Hastings. The night includes soulful jazz music, a performance by the Melawmen Collective, plus lots of other Indigenous-themed entertainment. Doors open at 7:30 pm and admission starts at as low as $15 per person.

Cinq-à-Sept Reception

(Sunday, June 18th, at 5:00 pm)

A two-hour reception takes place at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre’s Exhibition Hall. The venue is located at 181 Roundhouse Mews in Vancouver. The reception features a book signing, DJ music, and other activities. Admission is free.

Festival in Roundhouse Great Hall — The Great Hall at the Roundhouse

DJ KOOKUM’s Indigenous Day Eve

(Tuesday, June 20th, at 9:00 pm)

A lineup of performers take the stage at Performance Works at 1218 Cartwright Street on Granville Island. Taking place on the night before National Indigenous People’s Day, this 19+ event features DJ KOOKUM, Sekawnee, and other performers. Tickets are available online and cost $15 each.

Summer Solstice Celebration

(Wednesday, June 21st, at 8:00 pm)

A celebration of National Indigenous People’s Day full of art and culture with storytelling, music, dance and fashion. The event takes place at Performance Works and the headlining performer is Logan Staats. Tickets cost $20 if purchased in advance. Admission at the door costs $5 more.

RUMBLE: THE INDIANS WHO ROCKED THE WORLD

(Tuesday, June 27th, at 6:30 pm)

The documentary about the influence of Native American music shows at the VIFF Centre at 1181 Seymour Street. The screening is followed by a conversation with Pura Fé, along with a reception and a live performance by M’Girl. Tickets cost $20 per person.

RE-FRAME : RE-NAME : RE-MAKE

(Tuesday, June 27th, to Thursday, June 29th, at 11:00 am)

This year’s series of free roundtable discussions takes place on June 27th, 28th and 29th. Each event runs from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at the SFU Woodwards building at 149 West Hastings Street. Topics include representation in cultural and social justice, decolonial approaches in art, and more. Lunch is served at the end of each event. Admission is free but RSVP is required.

Other Information

For more details on the above and other festival events, see the Talking Stick Festival website.

For other opportunities to experience First Nation’s culture, including the Coastal First Nations Dance Festival in February or March, check out First Nations in the Lower Mainland.

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