It's A Christmas Indigenous Showcase! - Recap

The December Indigenous Showcase featured Indigenous culture in a captivating way through artisans, language, and films. This month's event excitedly offered three showtimes! Here's what made each showtime so special!

Michele Johnson 'Gives the Gift of the Syilx Language'

This month, we were honoured to be joined by Special Guest, Michele Johnson, who empowers Syilx adults and children to heal communities by becoming speakers of nsyilxc?n (the Syilx language). Michele is the Executive Director and founder of the Syilx Language House .

Michele taught us 5 words in nsyilxc?n, and each audience was eager to learn, repeating all 5 words enthusiastically! Afterward, the film "4th Year q?nun?tm? Evaluations" was screened, which was about Michele teaching the nsyilxc?n language.

A Song of Love, Healing, and Hope

Robin Genthon AKA Red Hawk opened each showtime with "Rolling Thunders Medicine Song". A call-and-response song, it invited the audience to send out their love and healing to whoever was in their hearts.

Highlights from the 12 PM Showtime

A special treat for our first show was having students from Bearisto Elementary School and Shihiya School join us in singing along to the 12 Days of Native Christmas! They also enjoyed watching the feature film Oshikikishikaw (A New Day).

A Family-friendly Indigenous Showcase

You asked... and we delivered, the first family-friendly Indigenous Showcase! It was heartwarming to see so many families take part, and a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn while also enjoying their time at the movies.

Welcome to the Evening Show

It was an honour to have Pauline Gregoire-Archachan open the evening show with a traditional Syilx welcome and prayer of blessing.

As Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique celebrates its third year in business, Tasha Swite (owner) spoke about her business, and its resilience through the past few challenging years.

Our first official volunteer, Kelsey Oster, provided great assistance at the 3:30 and 6:15 showtimes! Her dedication, smile, and positive attitude were much appreciated!

Meet the Vendors!

The Stocking Stuffer Artisan Alley allowed guests and the general public to shop for unique products from Indigenous artisans in the Towne Theatre lobby! Featured businesses included...

Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique

Guests loved Spirit of the Lake's unique collection of Native art, jewelry, and gifts inspired, and made by local First Nations artists!

Salsational Salsa

Using fresh Okanagan ingredients, Salsational Salsa was in high demand, and Angela Case left with four tubs herself!

Jewelry By Bonnie

Jewelry by Bonnie's beautiful hand-beaded creations and ribbon clothing items generated great excitement among guests.

Delree's Native Art Gallery

The vibrant display of Delree's art cards, prints, smudge kits, dream catchers, and more caught the eye of guests. Her warmth and storytelling invited them to stop and explore!

BannockSlap Burgers & Indian Tacos (Shane Miller)

The cinnamon sugar aroma of Shane's delicious, sweet bannock drew guests in! This treat was a must-try!

Okanagan Select & Indigenous World Winery

Back by popular demand, Okanagan Nation Alliance - Okanagan Select 's Candied Salmon was available for purchase at the concession! Additionally, guests enjoyed selections from Indigenous World Winery during the 19+ show.

Kayak To Klemtu

After her uncle's death, a 14-year-old girl must speak on his behalf against a proposed pipeline that would bring oil tanker traffic to the waters around her hometown Klemtu, in British Columbia. This film was an inspiring family adventure that provided a heartwarming, emotional experience for the audience.

A big thank you to everyone who came out and supported ‘ReconciliACTION’, while getting in the holiday spirit! A special thank you as well, to our many collaborators and first official sponsors,?Tourism Vernon, and Summerhill Winery !

We are looking forward to next month's family-friendly event featuring Duane Marchand on the mainstage, and the feature comedy film "Guitar Lessons." Ticket link coming soon!

Xast Sputa-?Merry Christmas