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Read All Latest NewsChange-Makers Gathering Festival welcomes debut performance from Stax, an Indigenous rapper, and Indigenous designed card and table top gaming tent.
Traditional Territory of Coast Salish Communities – Indigenous Knowledge Keepers of all ages are bringing the Change-Makers Gathering back to Langford’s Starlight Stadium on Saturday. This annual event is a community favourite, offering traditional, modern, and innovative Indigenous activities, entertainment, and teachings.
“A strong community comes from caring for others and making sure their needs are met. In our culture we focus on caring for others, and have comfort knowing they are caring for us,” said Chief Russ Chipps, Sc’ianew First Nation. “Every year Change-Makers is a great event, and one our Elders and especially our youth look forwards to, they are leaders in the day and want to share our culture, knowledge, and friendship with you.”
“We want to create an opportunity for all community members to spend time together and get the opportunity to experience some Indigenous culture and knowledge sharing,” said Charla Huber, event organizer. “There are people who want to learn more and aren’t sure where to start, and other people come because it’s a fantastic day, and it’s all free.”
New this year is an Indigenous games tent, where participants can learn to play the card game Potlatch, and Anishinaabe tabletop games Snake Game and Moccasin Game, all created by Indigenous game designers, and game will be led by Indigenous youth.
Also new this year will be Indigenous rapper Stax, making his first Change-Makers Festival debut. Other entertainment includes Indigenous Drum and Dance Groups from across Southern Vancouver Island and a DJ.
The festival offers a selection workshops and activities, all free of charge, including cedar weaving, Coast Salish art workshops, games, storytelling, and skateboard painting. Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers are leading these workshops, and they are open to everyone.
“It is such an honor for the City to host the Change Makers Gathering Festival for the third year in a row,” said Scott Goodmanson, Mayor of Langford. “This event provides an opportunity for the community to come together to listen and learn about Indigenous Peoples’ histories, languages, and traditions. Council has committed to take action towards reconciliation by working to implement the actions specific to local government as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action. This event aligns with our priority to collaborate with Indigenous partners and celebrate Indigenous culture.”
Bannock tacos will be served to all guests in attendance at no charge. Bannock tacos are a cultural meal enjoyed at many Indigenous community events. Daphne Underwood from T’Sou-ke First Nation taught the Langford cooks how to make Bannock. FortisBC has sponsored the lunch for everyone to enjoy.
“This is a very special lunch for us to participate in and knowing that we are all receiving guidance from Daphne and honouring her and her teachings, is so meaningful,” said Carmen LeBlanc, Community & Indigenous Relations Manager FortisBC.
Each year the festival is guided by a different Elder’s teaching, and this year it’s, “A sign of wealth is what you give away not what you keep.”
The Change-Makers Gathering Festival is on Saturday, June 8, 11am – 4 pm at Starlight Stadium. This is a free community event, and everyone is welcome.
Media Contacts:
Charla Huber Indigenous Communications Ltd. charlahuber.com
250-686-7592
Donna Petrie
Manager of Business
Development City of Langford 250-391-3403