Looking for unique holiday gifts or a way to connect with local culture?
The S岣祑x瘫w煤7mesh 脷xwumixw (Squamish Nation) is inviting everyone to its Winter Artisan Market at Totem Hall on Dec. 14 and 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
鈥淭his is a fundraiser for the 2025 Squamish Nation grads,鈥� said Joy Joseph-McCullough, associate education director for the Squamish Nation Education Division.
鈥淭he goal is to help cover their graduation fees and costs like grad photos, prom clothing, and other related expenses. It鈥檚 quite expensive, so this fundraiser supports parents in covering those costs.鈥�
For the first time, the event will feature a craft fair format, with approximately 40 vendors and 49 tables showcasing Indigenous artists from across British Columbia.
鈥淲e prioritized Indigenous artists in our callout, and they鈥檙e coming from all over 小蓝视频鈥攑laces like Vancouver Island, Nanaimo, North Vancouver, Langley, and Mount Currie. We also have some local artists participating,鈥� McCullough said.
In addition to the artisan booths, attendees can enjoy hands-on workshops, including wood carving, cedar weaving, and mini-moccasin making.
鈥淎rt Harry will lead a wood-carving workshop, and we鈥檒l have a mini moccasin-making workshop,鈥� said McCullough. 鈥淭hese are paid, hands-on sessions that attendees can sign up for.鈥�
The market will also include a concession stand serving traditional foods, and a professional photographer will be on-site offering photos with Santa or family portraits.
When asked about the significance of the event, McCullough emphasized the importance of community involvement. 鈥淚t鈥檚 open to everyone. It鈥檚 a great opportunity for everyone to experience First Nation art and support our grads.鈥�
The Winter Artisan Market will be held at Totem Hall, and everyone is encouraged to attend.
鈥淲e just want to encourage everyone to come and experience First Nation art created by artists from across 小蓝视频 and to support the graduates,鈥� McCullough added.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The 小蓝视频鈥檚 Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the .
