An Indigenous festival welcoming back the sun will hold its third annual celebration in Nanaimo this Saturday.
Celebration organizer and festival founder of the Sum̓sháthut (Sun) Festival, Tsatassaya White of Snuneymuxw and Hupacasath First Nations, said she hopes the community will join them once again to herald the beginning of longer days and shorter nights.
“I’ve always envisioned creating space for people to celebrate our traditional winter solstice so that people have something to celebrate today that we’ve always celebrated,” White said. “People celebrate the solstice in different ways in different nations, but it’s just a great way to be together… And although this is an Indigenous cultural festival, it doesn’t mean it’s only for Indigenous people. Everyone is welcome.”
The festival founder said she focused on mid-Island talent this year and looked to feature new acts or performances by various artists.
White said they will be welcome Ecko Aleck as Sacred Matriarch, as well as the Hishuk’ish Tsawalk dance group, the Cowichan Tzinquaw Dancers, led by Andrew Peters, and Chenoa Point and Stephanie Thomas with a cedar and wool weaving demonstration.
The Mumun’lh (children’s) Sunshine play area returns with storytelling by Ty Wilson and arts and crafts with Nanaimo Art Gallery.
Also showcasing will be a play written entirely in the Hul’q’umi’num’ language by Chris Alphonse by xe’ xe’ Productions, called ‘hw’I’ttsus lhqel’ts: Jealous Moon.’
“The cast is all students, and it’s all in Hul’q’umi’num’ [language] … It was also performed at the University of Victoria’s Indigenous Theatre Festival – and it was well-received there to a full house on opening night,” White said, and added that although the play is not spoken in English, those not familiar with the language will have no problem following the storytelling through the performers.
And in keeping with Indigenous ceremony protocol, elder Lolly Good of the Snuneymuxw First Nation will provide an opening prayer and will also be the festival’s elder-in-residence.
As feasting is an important aspect to most cultural gatherings, Chef Amanda Seward will return to offer “the No. 1 seafood chowder in the city,” as well as hearty winter stews, fried bread and baked Scow bread.
White said dining will be provided differently this year, where instead of a formal sit-down, food will be available throughout the festival for attendees with a dining area.
The trading post marketplace will also return with approximately 15 Indigenous artists and vendors such as Ay Lelum – The Good House of Design, Culture Shock jewelry with Donna Cranmer, traditional knitting by Doeleena Seward, and cedar bark weaving by Tyrone Elliott.
The Sum̓sháthut (Sun) Festival takes place at the Beban Park social centre in Nanaimo on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 2-6 p.m.
Various levels of tickets can be purchased at the door on the day, or online through www.crimsoncoastdance.com.
READ MORE: Dance society opens season with Indigenous solstice celebration in Nanaimo
mandy.moraes@nanaimobulletin.com
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