This year, we gather from all 4 directions to share stories articulated through music, dance, theatre, film and other forms of art presented by the Talking Stick Festival. We travel on our canoe to journey across our ancestral land bringing you, our audience, with us to explore our Indigenous culture through the arts.

The eagles circle over the travelers blessing them with courage, wisdom, inspiration and strength to persevere across any terrain. The ancestral silhouettes hover above the sky, water and earth watching over them and providing guidance in their journey. While the cedar bough at the “bow” of the canoe is meant to provide protection against negative energies they may encounter during their travels.

The backdrop of this year’s theme is set against the majestic mountains and ocean that meet in the land of the Coast Salish People – a diverse First Nations community. We communicate our theme “Come Together” in the 3 languages spoken in this land: Ḵxwúsem (Squamish), m̓i q̓əq̓aʔt ct (Musqueam) and Qápqúthut (Tsleil-Waututh).

This year’s festival will be a unique experience. Our performances will be a mix of Full Circle produced events and partnerships with other notable local performing arts organizations. From June 12th to July 3rd, we will celebrate National Indigenous History Month by showcasing our talented Indigenous performers and artists.

We invite you to come aboard our canoe and experience our culture and history in Vancouver.