Reconnecting Community and Celebrating Together!

A warm invitation for a day of fun and community relations on the Lands of the Lekwungen (Songhees) and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) ancestors and families.

Watch live

If you can’t join us on campus, you can watch the livestream courtesy of Houle Electric starting at 8 a.m. June 21.

Admission

Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.

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. On-campus transportation between event locations is available for Elders and Guests who need assistance.

School District Information

All schools are welcome to join the festivities! We already have a number of schools registered but it’s not too late!

If you’re a school, teacher, or principal and want to register your class, please email Asma-na-hi Antoine and share the following information:

• School
• Grade
• Number of Students
• Number of Chaperones/Teachers/Adults
• form of transportation

Schedule of events

10 a.m.

• Traditional canoe landing protocol practice and welcoming ceremony on the shore of the Esquimalt Lagoon led by Lekwungen (Songhees) Nation Elder Butch Dick and Elder Elmer George
• Performances by Lekwungen Drummers, Singers and Dancers and ANSWER2 Drum Group

11 a.m.

• Lekwungen Celebration Song & Stage opening

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Swutth’tus (Max Henry Sr. – Swustus) Canoe Challenge
• Children Field Games
• Children’s Craft Tent
• Frybread Station
• Vendors market
• Interactive Métis showcase including Tipi
• Interactive Storytelling and Songs in Tipi
• Elders Tent
• Traditional plant walks on Charlie’s Trail along Colwood Creek with Cowichan Elder Kenneth Elliott and TSAWOUT Elder Earl Claxton Jr.
• Performances
• Food Trucks (food & beverages for purchase)

Map of the site